I am looking for something that is gentle on concrete, yet will still work in sub-zero temperatures, possibly down to -20. What chemical/chemical blend will best have those properties? Thank you!
2007-12-11 08:58:09 · 2 answers · asked by Bec P 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The best would be calcium chloride, if it is cheap in your area. This is because calcium chloride contributes 3 ions to lowering the freezing point of water, compared to 2 of sodium chloride. But sodium chloride, salt, may be cheap for you. In Michigan, I am told that the state uses lactose sugar from cheese making to put on the roads, because they have that cheapest of all. Lactose contributes only one molecule toward lowering the freezing point.
2007-12-11 09:07:28 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Magnesium chloride is good. Potassium chloride is good. In fact most of them, that don't contain sodium. Sodium is the old curmudgeon that'll chew up your concrete. Have a mild, not wild winter season and keep the shiny side up (I'm bald, too.)
2007-12-11 17:05:46 · answer #2 · answered by te144 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋