* Insulation: Sawdust is a good insulator. It traps air pockets, which act as a barrier to heat transfer. This means the heat from the surrounding environment takes longer to reach the ice and melt it.
* Low thermal conductivity: Sawdust has a relatively low thermal conductivity, meaning it's not very efficient at transferring heat. This further slows down the melting process.
* Slow heat transfer: Even if some heat does reach the ice, it will be absorbed by the sawdust first. The sawdust will absorb the heat, keeping the ice colder for longer.
* Reduced surface area: The sawdust surrounds the ice, limiting the surface area exposed to the air. This reduces the rate of heat transfer and melting.
In short, sawdust acts as a barrier against heat transfer, slowing down the melting process and keeping the ice colder for a longer time.
