Dry ice is a fascinating substance that has a variety of unique properties and uses. It is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas that is an essential component of the Earth’s atmosphere. Dry ice is called “dry” because it does not melt into a liquid, but instead sublimates directly from a solid to a gas. You may have heard of dry ice in your science class, but it has many more interesting facts and applications that may surprise you. At nexAir, we provide our customers with a steady, high quality supply of dry ice, allowing them to Forge Forward in every project they take on. Our team has years of industry experience and has gained plenty of KnowHow when it comes to all of the facts, uses and the handling of dry ice. Keep reading to learn more about this complex substance. 

How is dry ice formed? 

The formation of dry ice occurs when carbon dioxide gas is compressed and cooled to a temperature of around -109.3°F (-78.5°C). At this temperature, the gas condenses into a solid, forming dry ice. The process of converting carbon dioxide gas into a solid is called “deposition.”

One of the most interesting properties of dry ice is its extremely low temperature. At -109.3°F (-78.5°C), it is much colder than regular ice, which has a melting point of 32°F (0°C). This makes dry ice useful in a variety of applications where a very low temperature is required.

Common uses, interesting facts and more! 

Dry ice is commonly used as a refrigerant in the transportation of food, medical supplies, and other perishable items. Its low temperature allows it to keep these items at a constant, safe temperature during transit. It is also used in the production of frozen foods, where it is used to rapidly freeze the food and preserve its quality.

Another interesting property of dry ice is its ability to sublimate directly from a solid to a gas. This means that it does not melt into a liquid, but instead transforms directly into carbon dioxide gas. As it sublimates, it produces a dense, white fog that is commonly used in theatrical productions and Halloween decorations.

The fog produced by dry ice is created when it comes into contact with warm air. As the warm air interacts with the cold dry ice, it causes the carbon dioxide to sublimate rapidly, producing a thick fog. This fog is safe to breathe in small quantities, but care should be taken when using large amounts of dry ice in enclosed spaces.

Dry ice is also commonly used in the cleaning industry, where it is used to blast away dirt and grime from a variety of surfaces. This process, known as “dry ice blasting,” uses compressed air to blast small pellets of dry ice at high speeds, removing dirt and other contaminants from the surface. The process is environmentally friendly, as it does not produce any harmful chemicals or byproducts.

Dry ice also has some unique properties when it comes to sound. When struck, it produces a high-pitched ringing sound that is similar to the sound produced by a wine glass when tapped. This is due to the rapid sublimation of the dry ice, which causes it to vibrate and produce sound waves.

In conclusion, dry ice is a fascinating substance that has a variety of unique properties and uses. From its ability to sublimate directly from a solid to a gas, to its use as a refrigerant and cleaning agent, dry ice is an incredibly versatile substance that has a wide range of practical applications. Its properties also make it a popular subject of scientific study, as researchers continue to explore its many fascinating properties. If you are in need of a steady, reliable supply of dry ice, please reach out to our team – we’d love to set you up and get started today!