What is the difference between calcium chloride and magnesium chloride

In addition, CaCl2 is a clean, inorganic material that does not leave an oily or powdery residue after its use.

Transportation Research Board 75 th Annual Meeting. Strategic Highway Research Program, ASTM C Chiefly funded by the Iowa Dept. Ninth edition, Journal of Plant Nutrition, 19 7 , Call Us Mail Us harold peterschemical. Magnesium Chloride Calcium Chloride vs. Rock Salt. Which do you use? Calcium Chloride vs. When the temperature is really low, there is a higher chance for magnesium chloride to clog equipment, making calcium chloride the more practical option for extremely cold temperatures like our customers experience in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

In order to be as effective as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride needs to be applied in larger amounts. Magnesium chloride is a hexahydrate salt, which means that the solid product is more dilute.

CaCl2 generates heat as it dissolves , giving it superior ice-melting speeds in comparison to other deicers. Extensive exposure to MgCl2 can lead to hypermagnesemia; an electrolyte disturbance caused by a high level of magnesium in the bloodstream.

Hypermagnesemia is generally uncommon but severe cases are potentially life-threatening. The environmental impact Magnesium Chloride has varies, but studies show it can nourish vegetation in small amounts. Like most ice melts, calcium chloride can be harmful to pets. Additionally, calcium chloride ice melts can corrode metals, damaging your car. Overapplication of calcium chloride ice melts can lead to plant damage. It can also damage concrete but is generally considered to be less damaging to concrete than other ice melts.

If tracked inside, calcium chloride can leave an oily residue that is difficult to remove. Calcium chloride ice melts can be used to prevent ice from forming. Spreading a small, uniform amount over driveways and sidewalks before snow or freezing rain falls will prevent ice helping to keep your surfaces safe.

The longer an ice melt sits on a surface, the more damage can occur. Reduce any potential damage by scooping up the salty slush and disposing of it. When shoveling, be careful not to shovel snow mixed with ice melt onto your lawn to avoid damaging the vegetation. Both magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are hygroscopic compounds. This means that you want to store your ice melt in a tightly sealed container away from moisture to prevent the product from absorbing too much liquid and turning into a liquid.

You can store unopened packages flat in a cool, dry place. Storing bags upright can put too much pressure on the seams and cause the bag to burst. You should use caution when applying ice melts since they are chemical compounds that can cause skin irritation or burns.