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Proton Magnetic Resonance Evidence of a Liquid Phase in Polycrystalline Ice

Abstract

PROTON magnetic resonance (PMR) spectra1–3 of ice between −20° C and the melting point include a narrow component which suggests that a small proportion2 of the protons (0.2% to 0.4% at −12° C) are in a liquid-like state. Possible explanations are a quasi-liquid surface film, freezing point depression due to surface free energy effects at grain corners or presence of impurities and interstitial non-hydrogen bonded water molecules.

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BELL, J., MYATT, R. & RICHARDS, R. Proton Magnetic Resonance Evidence of a Liquid Phase in Polycrystalline Ice. Nature Physical Science 230, 91–92 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci230091a0

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