National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

The goal of this project is to evaluate the impact additives to solid rock salt have on the eutectic temperature of the product through laboratory testing. From this testing, determine if the additives lower the eutectic temperature of the product, and if so by how much. The end goal is to determine if the additives improve performance. Deicer performance can be defined in many ways, such as products working at colder temperatures, ice melting, undercutting, or penetration, improved roadway friction, longevity on the road (reducing number of or quantity of applications), etc. This will be accomplished through a literature search, survey, and laboratory evaluation of solids salt with additives. Laboratory testing will provide detailed information on benefits to performance. The outcomes will include a comprehensive literature review document, survey of identified solids salt and common additives, and detailed lab results of eutectic temperatures, ice melting rates, and roadway friction characterization. This work will provide valuable data on change in deicing product performance from the addition of various additives allowing for informed decision making on product purchasing, blending, and application under various conditions.