Abstract: [Objectives] In the ice-propeller milling or collision test, it is very important to use the model ice which satisfies the geometric similarity and similarity with the mechanical properties of ice to test the ice load of the propeller. [Methods] Uniaxial compression tests of model ice of different materials were carried out with freshwater ice, saltwater ice, urea ice, EG/AD/S ice and paraffin model ice as research objects. The compressive strength and failure modes of ice under different strain rates, freezing and tempering conditions were tested and analyzed. [Results] In the development process of saltwater ice, the saltwater ice made with freezing temperature of -20 ℃, freezing time of 48 h, tempering of -5 ℃ and tempering of 24 h can meet the requirements of ice-propeller contact test. The order of the compressive strength of the model ice in descending order is urea ice, freshwater ice, EG/AD/S ice, paraffin model ice, freshwater ice-tempering, EG/AD/S ice-tempering, saltwater ice, urea ice-tempering, and saltwater-tempering. [Conclusions] The test results can provide reference for the selection of model ice in subsequent ice-propeller milling or collision experiments.