PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF CALCIUM MAGNESIUM ACETATE IN MAINE

The search for an effective substitute for the deicing agent Sodium Chloride has lead to the development of Calcium Magnesium acetate (CMA). However, CMA is not commercially available. A project for the production of CMA utilizing resources in Maine was carried out at Maine Department of Transportation. After the product was made, other physical/chemical tests were also performed. The results showed that: (1) CMA can be made in Maine from an apparent abundant source of high magnesium limestone and acetic acid (cider vinegar); (2) A ten percent solution of acetic acid with ten minutes of agitation with the magnesium limestone coarse aggregate provides the best production of CMA for this grade; (3) A commercial product of CMA should consider the constant reflux method with constant monitoring of the pH; (4) Evaporation of the solution by solar energy is not effective due to the large amount of rainfall in Maine. During summer months, overcast or rain is a common occurrence. Bituminous concrete batch plants have wasted heat which might be able to aid in this evaporation need; (5) The field trial of CMA as a deicing agent showed both advantages and disadvantages. A major concern is it's dustiness; (6) Outdoor uncovered storage of CMA is not practical; and (7) The corrosion effect of CMA solution toward metal or concrete needs further study.

• Corporate Authors:

  Maine Department of Transportation

  Materials and Research Division, Box 1208, Hogan Road
  Bangor, ME  United States  04402

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hsu, M T
• Publication Date: 1983-7

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 25 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acetic acid; Calcium magnesium acetate; Corrosion; Deicing equipment; Dust; Field studies; Limestone; Manufacturing; Mixing plants; Production; Testing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deicers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00386909
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech Paper 83-1 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1984 12:00AM