Deicing Composition Using Protein and Molasses for Road Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deicing agents, such as sodium chloride, are ineffective over extended periods and cause damage to highly porous asphalt surfaces due to repeated freezing and thawing, leading to increased maintenance costs and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A deicing composition combining a native protein and molasses with a deicing agent like sodium chloride or calcium chloride, which enhances adhesion and retention on surfaces, reducing the frequency of application and damage to road surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional deicing agents like sodium chloride are used, then deicing effect is achieved, but the duration of action is short and repeated application is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional deicing agents (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.) with organic additives including proteins (casein, whey, soy), molasses, and carbohydrates to create a composite deicing composition. This composite formulation extends the duration of deicing effect by improving adhesion to road surfaces and reducing premature wash-off, allowing the deicing agent to remain effective for longer periods without repeated applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic additives (proteins, molasses, carbohydrates) act as intermediaries that enhance the performance of conventional deicing agents. These substances improve wetting properties, increase adhesion to asphalt and concrete surfaces, and modify the release characteristics of the deicing agent, thereby extending its effective duration on the road surface.
2Reliability
If deicing agents are applied frequently to maintain effectiveness, then deicing performance is maintained, but damage to road surfaces increases due to repeated freezing and thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The composite formulation with organic additives reduces the need for repeated applications by extending the duration of each application's effectiveness. This decreases the number of freezing-thawing cycles that deicing agents induce in porous asphalt, thereby reducing mechanical stress and damage to road surfaces while maintaining reliable deicing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of deicing compositions by adding organic substances that alter adhesion, wetting, and release characteristics. These parameter changes allow for less frequent applications, reducing the cumulative harmful effects on road surfaces while maintaining effective deicing performance throughout winter conditions.
3Ease of operation
If highly porous asphalt is used to improve drainage, then safety under rainy conditions is improved, but more deicing agent is needed as it flows away with melt water
Solution Approach 1:
The organic additives (proteins, molasses, carbohydrates) serve as intermediaries that improve the adhesion of deicing agents to highly porous asphalt surfaces. These substances enhance wetting properties and create a bonding effect that prevents deicing agents from being washed away by melt water, thereby reducing the total quantity needed while maintaining effectiveness on drainage-improved surfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combination of native protein and molasses in the deicing composition improves deicing agent retention and reduces surface damage by maintaining effectiveness over a longer period and minimizing corrosion, thus reducing maintenance needs and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
The sodium chloride works as a deicing agent by dissolving into precipitation on roadways and lowering the freezing point, thereby melting ice and snow
Implementation Method 2
due to better adhesion properties of the deicing composition compared to use of the deicing agent alone, less deicing agent will be blown away and the deicing agent is retained on the road for a longer period of time
Implementation Method 3
When the air/ground temperature becomes sufficiently low, an aqueous solution which is present in the channels of the asphalt will expand upon freezing, thus, creating mechanical stress in the asphalt
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a deicing composition comprising (i) a deicing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, (ii) a native protein, and (iii) a molasses. It furthermore relates to a process for preparing said deicing composition and to a process for deicing a surface using said deicing composition.