Lowest practical melting temperature Lowest practical melting temperature

Lowest practical melting temperature
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Chemical	Lowest Practical Melting Temp.	Eutectic Temp.	Optimal Concentration
NaCl (Sodium Chloride) —Delivered as rock salt, can be made into a brine. The basis of many bagged blends. Corrosive. Inexpensive. Very available. Most commonly us used without a corrosion inhibitor added, but corrosion inhibited products are available	15º F	-6º F	23%
MgCl2 (Magnesium Chloride)—Delivered primarily as a liquid, other forms available. Used for anti-icing, pre-wetting and stockpile treatments. Corrosive. Higher cost. Often has a corrosion inhibitor added. Often added to salt brine.	-10º F	-28º F	27 to 30%
CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride)—Delivered as flakes, pellets, or liquid. Corrosive. Most effective ice melter at very cold temperatures. Sometimes used incorrectly to open storm drains. Higher cost. Often has a corrosion inhibitor added. Often added to salt brine.	-20º F	-60º F	30%
CMA (Calcium Magnesium Acetate)—Delivered as a powder, crystals, pellets, or liquid. Liquid CMA is used mainly on automated bridge deicing systems. Non-corrosive to steel, biodegradable. Alternative for areas where chloride use must be limited. Higher cost.	20º F	-18º	32%
KAc (Potassium Acetate)—Delivered as a liquid. Often used on automated bridge deicing systems and airports. Use for anti-icing, deicing. Non-corrosive to steel but corrosive to galvanized, biodegradable. Alternative for areas where chloride use must be limited. Higher cost.	-15º F	-76º F	50%
Blends— Both chlorides and acetates exist in blends. Talk to the supplier and determine the lowest practical melting temperature, the optimal concentration and the basic components in the blend. Most blends are centered on rock salt since it is cheap.
Winter Sand/Abrasives—Winter sand has salt mixed in it to keep it from freezing. Abrasives should be used for cold temperatures when deicers are not effective. Want to minimize salt % in sand.	Never melts—provides traction only