The molecular structure of plastic ice VII has surprised scientists (Representative picture). Under normal conditions, water exists in three phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour or ...

In contrast to regular ice, which has a rigid and fixed molecular structure, Plastic Ice VII has a special feature: its water molecules are free to rotate while still having a solid structure.

"Plastic ice VII" is unlike the ice found in your freezer. Though it retains a crystalline structure, its water molecules rotate freely, making it “plastic” and deformable under extreme ...

called Plastic Ice VII. This rare phase allows water molecules to rotate freely while staying in a solid structure. The discovery, led by Livia Bove from Sorbonne University, helps scientists ...