CMA Works Differently

When mixed with snow, CMA interferes with the ability of snow particles to adhere to each other or to the surface. It does not create a flowing brine like salt, but keeps the snow lighter and drier improving traction. Applied early in the storm, CMA prevents the formation of snow pack and the bonding of ice to the pavement surface, so snow and ice can be removed more easily by plow, broom or shovel.

CMA Has Residual Action

Because CMA does not produce a running brine, it does not move off the surface like other deicers. Therefore, fewer applications are needed during a storm and from storm to storm. Experience has shown that surfaces treated with CMA often exhibit anti-icing properties during subsequent periods of freezing moisture.

CMA Is Applied “Bottom Up”

Early application is the key to effective performance of all deicers, including CMA. At the beginning of a snow event, a heavier application of CMA may be appropriate depending on local conditions. Snow plows and the action of traffic will remove the snow - leaving a residual layer of CMA. Application rates may be decreased as the storm continues.

Corrosion

Corrosion Properties

CMA exhibits very low corrosion rates on metals found in bridges, roadways, parking garages, and other steel and concrete systems. Commonly described as being about as corrosive as tap water, CMA is often used as the corrosion standard by which other deicers are judged. Years off real-world use coupled with laboratory tests throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s sponsored by the U.S.FHWA, U.K Department of Transport, and other independent institutions have concluded: CMA is a proven low corrosion deicer.

Corrosion Retardation

A switch to CMA on chloride-contaminated concrete structures may extend their useful life. Tests by the Denmark Ministry of Transport with steel rebar in chloride-contaminated concrete showed that when samples were treated with CMA solutions, corrosion rates were reduced. Later tests by BP Chemicals concluded: “CMA is non-corrosive towards steel reinforcement in concrete and can arrest incipient corrosion induced by prior use of rock salt deicers.”

Corrosion Inhibitor

The FHWA* evaluated the corrosion effects of various “inhibited” deicers with the following results. A number of laboratory tests suggest that CMA may be an effective corrosion inhibitor when combined with salt. Although tests were different in type and duration of exposure, all indicated that as little as 20% CMA in a CMA/salt blend resulted in a 70% to 80% reduction in corrosion. As expected, the best corrosion protection results from the use of pure CMA.

*Federal HighWay Administration

Concrete Compatibility

Many engineers specify CMA because it does not chemically attack concrete nor does it increase spalling caused by the freeze-thaw cycling of water. A U.K. Department of Transport study concludes: “With the exception of CMA, all of the deicing chemicals tested resulted in a greater deterioration of the concrete than water alone...CMA was the only chemical on weak structural concrete which satisfied the criterion for scaling damage.”

Testing by Michigan DOT confirmed that CMA dramatically reduced spalling in both airentrained and non air-entrained concrete compared to salt alone. Blending small amounts of CMA (minimum 20% by weight) with sodium chloride resulted in a reduction in saltinduced concrete scaling.

Wildlife Conservation

When sodium chloride is used as a deicer, it can result in roads becoming salt licking stations for wild animals, particularly deer. CMA has been used in deer management areas of Scandinavia to prevent road accidents. In Finland, CMA mixed with sand at rates of 18- 24 pounds per ton (15-20 kilograms per cubic meter) kept sand from freezing. Additionally this CMA rate was sufficient to deter reindeer from roadways. CMA has the aroma of vinegar, which does not appeal to animals.