magnesium chloride: Application
magnesium chloride is a widely used compound that finds applications in various fields, including environmental protection, agriculture, and road maintenance. Its uses range from dust suppression to road deicing, with advantages and disadvantages that make it a versatile tool in different scenarios.
application of magnesium chloride
one of the most significant uses of magnesium chloride is as a road deicer. magnesium chloride is effective in controlling dust, stabilizing soil, and de-icing surfaces, particularly on unsurfaced roads. its hygroscopic properties, which attract moisture from the air, help maintain roads damp for longer periods, reducing dust emissions.
the process of applying magnesium chloride for deicing involves grading the road to ensure smoothness, wetting it with a water truck, and then applying the magnesium chloride to the damp road surface. the magnesium chloride adheres to the soil particles, creating a hard surface that provides stability to the road.
advantages of magnesium chloride
magnesium chloride is considered an effective dust suppressant and soil stabilizer. its ability to hold moisture in the soil helps reduce dust, making roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. the moisture barrier it creates also prevents soil erosion and loss, extending the life of the road.
another advantage of magnesium chloride is its ability to lower the freezing point of water, which aids in keeping the road from refreezing after snowfall, making transportation safe and smooth.
disadvantages of magnesium chloride
Despite its many advantages, magnesium chloride also has its disadvantages. one of the primary issues with magnesium chloride is its high reapplication rate. the compound wears down quickly and requires continuous reapplication to maintain its effectiveness, leading to increased maintenance costs.
environmental concerns are another downside of magnesium chloride. while magnesium chloride itself is not harmful to the environment, it can leach into soil and water sources, affecting aquatic life and plants. high concentrations of magnesium chloride can cause severe harm to plants, particularly conifers, leading to leaf scorching, marginal necrosis, and needle tip burn.
another disadvantage of magnesium chloride is its corrosive nature. the compound can damage metal components, including brakes lines and wheel bearings, of vehicles driving on treated roads. this can result in costly repairs.
climate considerations
another consideration when using magnesium chloride is climate requirements. the compound is only effective in high-humidity climates with moist air. in dry climates with low humidity, magnesium chloride may dry out the soil, making the treatment useless and potentially causing more dust.
alternatives to magnesium chloride
for users looking for alternatives to magnesium chloride, several options are available. earthbind 100, for instance, is an environmentally friendly alternative that does not contain magnesium chloride. it remains in the roadbed, improving the base and reducing dust.
another option is mag chill, a liquid magnesium chloride deicer that is less corrosive and works effectively at lower temperatures.magnesium chloride is a versatile tool that has various applications in different fields. its strengths include dust suppression, soil stabilization, and deicing, making it a popular choice for many industries. however, its high reapplication rate and environmental concerns are important considerations when choosing magnesium chloride for a particular application. alternatives such as earthbind 100 and mag chill offer more sustainable options for users looking to reduce their impact on the environment.
