Question

What is a de-icing agent? How does it work?

Answer 1

Hint: The de-icing agent is the one which prevents the formation of ice or frost and works by decreasing the freezing point of the solution. A de-icing agent is a common salt.

Complete step by step solution:
First, let us know what a De-icing agent exactly do,
In de-icing, “de” means removal and “icing” means frost.
A de-icing agent helps in the removal of the formed ice and also in the prevention of formation of ice or snow by increasing the temperature or through the application of heat, use of dry, usage of liquid chemicals which have the freezing point less than that of water (Salts, Alcohols, Glycols). De-icing can also be done through scrapping.
Now, we will see what are the types of De-icing process
 De-icing can be categorized into three groups.
A. Mechanical De-icing: It is done by broom, hot-air. It is further divided into Pneumatic tape de-icing and electric pulse de-icing.
B. Liquid De-icing: It consists of a liquid that removes the formation of ice. Liquid de-icing agents are fast-acting and safe for all surfaces and are effective for a longer duration.
C. Thermal De-icing: Usage of heat to prevent the formation of ice. It consists of continuous de-icing and intermittent de-icing.
(i) The de-icing agents work by decreasing the freezing point of the solution like NaCl,
Heating the surface, compression under pressure etc.
(ii) It at least takes 20min-30min for the de-icing agent to work.
(iii) A mixture of vinegar and water can be used as a de-icing agent when the temperature range is from ${28^0}C$ to ${32^0}C$.

Note: 1. It is often mistaken with the Anti-icing agents [the agents which are required only for the prevention of the formation of ice but not the removal of the formed ice].
2. Anti-icing agents are used before the formation of ice whereas de-icing agents are used after the formation of ice.