Ice-melt

Ice-melt can be mixed into many different formulas.  Factors that determine the mixture of ice-melt are temperature, location and cost.                                                                              

Chemicals Used to Melt Ice

Name

Formula

Lowest Practical Temp

Pros

  

Ammonium sulfate

(NH4)2SO4

-7°C
(20°F)

Fertilizer

  

Calcium chloride

CaCl2

-29°C
(-20°F)

Melts ice faster than sodium chloride

  

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)

Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3, magnesium carbonate MgCO3, and acetic acid CH3COOH

-9°C
(15°F)

Safest for concrete & vegetation

  

Magnesium chloride

MgCl2

-15°C
(5°F)

Melts ice faster than sodium chloride

  

Potassium acetate

CH3COOK

-9°C
(15°F)

Biodegradable

  

Potassium chloride

KCl

-7°C
(20°F)

Fertilizer

  

Sodium chloride (rock salt, halite)

NaCl

-9°C
(15°F)

Keeps sidewalks dry

  

Urea

NH2CONH2

-7°C
(20°F)

Fertilizer