Transportation agencies are increasingly using liquid materials for anti-icing and deicing to improve winter road maintenance in a more effective, economical, and environmentally responsible manner. However, objective, standardized methods for evaluating the properties and field performance of these materials do not currently exist. Field evaluations have been inconsistent and subjective, with limited quantitative data to support performance claims. As a result, agencies often rely on vendor information to guide the selection and use of liquid deicers.

In addition, many important chemical and physical properties—particularly of organic mixtures—are not well documented or available to end users. Some key performance-related properties lack standard test protocols, making it difficult to model or predict field behavior, optimize application rates, and ensure material quality.

The objective of this research is to define and demonstrate laboratory and field protocols for evaluating the properties and performance of liquid deicers, including organic and inorganic materials, to support improved winter maintenance practices.

Potential research tasks include:

·        Review literature on liquid materials used for highway anti-icing and deicing.

·        Define protocols for objectively evaluating field performance of liquid deicers.

·        Demonstrate field protocols during representative winter maintenance events.

·        Identify critical chemical and physical properties of liquid deicers.

·        Define laboratory protocols for evaluating performance of liquid deicers.

·        Demonstrate laboratory protocols using representative materials.

·        Develop guidance for applying the protocols in agency winter maintenance programs.