Magnesium Chloride

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how magnesium chloride has become the de-icer of choice in snowy regions such as Colorado and how supporters of the product claim that magnesium chloride is an environmentally safer option for de-icing than some of its predecessors, namely, sodium chloride. It examines how the use of magnesium chloride in liquid and modified cold-pressed form has been shown to be highly effective as a tool for de-icing in Colorado. It also looks at how supporters of the use of magnesium chloride in Colorado have stated that the de-icer has proven beneficial to the environment, while others claim the use of magnesium chloride has been shown to possibly increase electrical outages and pole fires, as well as corrosion.

From the Paper:

"Another environmental issue facing Coloradoans resulting from the use of magnesium chloride is corrosion. The use of sodium chloride or rock salt in the past presented a much greater problem in this respect. Magnesium chloride however, is also by nature corrosive; however proponents of its use point out those chemical agents are added to it to minimize the corrosive effects (Pavek, 2002). Highway departments in the state of Colorado have noticed that the use of magnesium chloride as a de-icer has reduced much of the major corrosion on trucks and equipment, as well as steel enforced bridges compared to sodium chloride (Pavek, 2002). However, some reports are also indicating that aluminum components and electrical components in their vehicles are actually showing increased evidence of corrosion at a more rapid rate (Pavek, 2002)."

More papers on Magnesium Chloride:

• Research Paper # 104243 : "Consequence of Magnesium Chloride on Wound Closure"
• Research Paper # 104224 : "The Regeneration of Planaria"
• Essay # 72823 : "Water Content"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: