Chloride based deicers, sodium chloride (salt brine or rock salt), magnesium chloride (mag), and calcium chloride, are the most commonly used products in winter operations. These chlorides can be used as liquids or solids to help prevent snow and ice from bonding with the roadway, aiding in plowing, or to help burn through packed snow and ice on roadways or improve friction. Interestingly, these same chlorides, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, are used as dust suppressants on unpaved roads and runways in Alaska.

Corrosion caused by chloride-based deicers can impact equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure. This synthesis will focus on identifying common corrosion concerns to personal and commercial vehicles – trucks and equipment.

This effort will identify the commonly used deicing products by Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (AKDOT & PF) in winter road operations, for dust control and soil stabilization, and will aim to also identify commonly used deicing products by private businesses. Information will also be gathered on methods to reduce or prevent corrosion to vehicles and equipment.