Corn-Based Deicers - TR754

(2020) Corn-Based Deicers - TR754. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

Scaling up the production of agro-byproduct-based deicer is challenging as their yield is far less than the demand. Since corn is the most planted crop in the United States, the current study focuses on developing corn-based deicers that possess lower freezing point depression, enhanced ice melting capacity, and corrosion inhibition properties. The PI hypothesizes that the sugar alcohols/polyols like Sorbitol, Maltitol and Mannitol produced from the corn starch can enhance salt-brine deicer. Various blends of deicers referred to as corn-based deicers are generated by combining corn juice, corn-derived polyols, and salt-brine in different weight fractions and their deicing properties are determined experimentally by performing five tests, namely, freezing point depression, corrosion inhibition, ice melting capacity, skid resistance, viscosity and, dissolved oxygen. Based on the results obtained, a blend of deicer prepared from 27 wt. % Sorbitol+23.3 wt. % salt-brine is recommended to achieve freezing point depressions as low as -38.1°C and, 27 wt. % Maltitol+23.3 wt. % salt-brine is recommended for freezing point depressions between -25°C to -35.6°C. In corrosion-prone zones such as bridge decks, concrete pavements and steel bridges a blend of deicer prepared by adding 0.5-2 wt. % Mannitol to 23.3 wt. % salt-brine is recommended. A blend of deicer prepared from 27 wt. % Mannitol+23.3 wt. % salt-brine is recommended at sub-freezing temperatures of -10°C and -20°C for improved ice melting capacity.