GENERATION AND TESTS ON AQUEOUS FOAM STABILIZED WITH CMC-7HP

• Main Author: Stehle, N. S.
• Other Authors: NAVAL CIVIL ENGINEERING LAB PORT HUENEME CA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1963
• Subjects: Snow; Ice and Permafrost; Miscellaneous Materials; *ICE; *FOAM; *PROTECTIVE COVERINGS; STABILITY; DEGRADATION; SURFACES; LANDING FIELDS; ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS; SOLAR RADIATION; THERMAL INSULATION; ICE STABILIZATION; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0431549; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0431549

Rapid deterioration of ice surfaces during the late spring and early summer in the polar regions presents difficulties in the use of ice surfaces for scientic stations and airfields. Tests using aqueous foam indicated its potential benefit as a protective covering for ice. Tests were conducted at Port Hueneme, California, because it closely approximated a field situation with the higher relative humidities encountered at a coastal installation where the foam would be used and yet had a high incident solar radiation which approximated the curing conditions under which the foam had originally been tested. The expansion ratio achieved was less than one-half that recommended for maximum lasting ability. At the end of 8 days, the foam was completely collapsed and had never acquired the dry cellular texture of laboratory tests. In addition to being low, the expansion ratios achieved were variable. Traffic tests with a 11/2-ton truck showed that the moist foam would stick to the tires until they were covered, leaving the sand bare. Dried foam was crushed beneath the tires. From these tests, it was concluded that the aqueous foam made of the recommended formulation with Mearlfoam-5 and 1.75% CMC-7HP stabilizer was difficult to generate and required a precise control for mixing and foaming.