EFFECTIVENESS OF ROAD CHEMICAL DEICERS

The objective of this experiment is to determine the most effective chemical deicer for changing ice surface temperature and decreasing the volume of ice.  To test this problem, a series of two experiments were completed.  For the first experiment, four containers of ice were placed into a freezer.  10 ml of chemical deicer (Brine Solution, GEOMELT, Beet/Brine Juice, and Caliber M1000) were applied to each one.  Using a Vernier LabPro and a temperature probe, surface temperature was measured over the course of two and a half hours.  Change in temperature was recorded and compared between the four chemical deicers after 1 hour.  An ANOVA test was performed to check for any significant difference in surface temperatures; the researchers fail to reject the null hypothesis.  The results of this statistical test show no significant difference between the four chemical deicers.

   A second experiment was performed to determine which chemical melted the largest volume of ice in a set amount of time.  For this experiment, 10 ml of the four chemical deicers were each applied to a container of ice.  The containers were then put outside for 50 minutes at 45º C.  The experiment was performed after dark to duplicate actual ice distribution by cities.  After 50 minutes, the deicers were poured into a graduated cylinder and then placed on an ice surface to measure the change in volume.  To analyze these results a second ANOVA test was performed and the researchers rejected the null hypothesis.  There was a significant difference between the deicers.  Ultimately, the Caliber M1000 had the greatest change in volume.  In both experiments, the environmentally-friendly deicers (GEOMELT and Brine/Beet Juice) had the lowest results.  The researchers concluded that Caliber M1000 is most efficient for a quick defrost.

Research Done By:

Anna Myers
Sterling Heights High School

Rebecca Pittman
Sterling Heights School

X