Calcium Magnesium Acetate Deicers

Calcium magnesium acetate works by preventing snow and ice particles from adhering to each other and to the road surface. Anti-icing chemicals can be applied on top of snow and ice like other deicers or 30 minutes to two hours before precipitation begins. It can also be blended with salt as a corrosion inhibitor.

Often, CMA is used as a corrosion inhibitor, blended with road salt at rates greater the 20% CMA by weight. It is available in 20% and 40% CMA blends, as CMA20 and CMA40. CMA is also used in its liquid form, generally for anti-icing roads and bridges. Liquid CMA is available in 25% CMA solution, as CAM25.

CMA and other anti-icing chemicals are extremely safe and environmentally sound. They are no more corrosive or damaging to concrete than tap water. They have low toxicity and are high biodegradability. In addition, because animals are attracted to salted roads, the use of anti-icing chemicals greatly reduces deer-related accidents.

Finally, CMA replenishes salt-damaged soils by replacing stripped magnesium and calcium. The primary limitations associated with the use of anti-icing agents is cost.

Calcium Magnesium Propionate

Calcium magnesium propionate is a potentially revolutionary deicing chemical which is produced from agriculture residues. It was first developed by civil engineer Alex Mathews in response to the high cost of calcium magnesium acetate. Relatively inexpensive and abundant substances such as wheat, straw, grain dust, starch, and cellulose can be used in the production of CMP. Research is also in progress, however, to use residue from water treatment plants. So far, it has been shown to be highly effective when used to coat sand. Benefits of CMP include minimal effects on the environment, excellent performance in colder temperatures, and low cost. Although it is still experimental, CMP is projected to be ready for road tests in two years.

 Sodium Acetate

Sodium Acetate is FAA approved and is used as a solid deicer for airport runways. Like calcium chloride, sodium acetate gives off heat as it dissolves but it works faster and better. It also works longer, requiring fewer applications. It is active down to 0°F.

Use a liquid to melt ice with Icenator deicer