PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF CALCIUM MAGNESIUM ACETATE IN MAINE

The search for an effective substitute for the deicing agent sodium chloride has led to the development of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). However, CMA is not commercially available. A project for the production of CMA using resources in Maine was carried out at the Maine Department of Transportation. After the product was made, other physical and chemical tests were also performed. The results indicated that CMA can be made in Maine from an apparent abundant source of high magnesium limestone and acetic acid (cider vinegar). A 10 percent solution of acetic acid with 10 min of agitation with the magnesium limestone coarse aggregate provides the best production of CMA for this grade. A commercial production of CMA should consider the constant reflux method with constant monitoring of the pH. Evaporation of the solution by solar energy is not effective because of the large amount of rainfall in Maine. Bituminous concrete batch plants have waste heat, which might be able to aid in this evaporation need. The field trial of CMA as a deicing agent demonstrated both advantages and disadvantages. A major concern is its dustiness. Outdoor uncovered storage of CMA is not practical. The corrosion effect of CMA solution toward metal or concrete needs further study.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/962/962-012.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=PRODUCTION+AND+TESTING+OF+CALCIUM+MAGNESIUM+ACETATE+IN+MAINE&author=M.+Hsu&publication_year=1984
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309037182
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Winter Maintenance. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Hsu, Martha T
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 77-82
• Monograph Title: Bridge maintenance management, corrosion control, heating, and deicing chemicals
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 962
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acetic acid; Calcium magnesium acetate; Corrosion; Deicing equipment; Dust; Limestone dust; Mixing plants; Production; Testing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deicers
• Geographic Terms: Maine
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Vehicles and Equipment; I40: Soils and Rocks;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00394973
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309037182
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM