Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
U.S. Salt does not sell CMA.
This compound costs 20 to 30 times as much as rock salt! It was identified by the Federal Highway Administration in the 1970's,as the only de-icer to meet a standard of low environmental damage, and low corrosiveness to metals. It's no more corrosive than tap water. It's finding a market, where corrosion cannot be tolerated. It is completely harmless to plants, metals, and concrete, but who could afford it?
A patented chemical formulation of dolomitic lime and acetic acid. It was first identified as a low corrosion, environmental alternative to road salt by the U. S. Federal Highway Administration in the late 1970's. Today, CMA is used worldwide to answer environmental concerns and solve problems associated with corrosion and concrete spalling.
CMA is generally used in its granular form and spread on the surface like other deicers. CMA looks like road salt, a rigid, angular particle that is more likely to stay where it is put.
Often, CMA is used as a corrosion inhibitor, blended with road salt at rates greater the 20% CMA by weight. It is available in 20% and 40% CMA blends, as CMA20 and CMA40. CMA is also used in its liquid form, generally for anti-icing roads and bridges. Liquid CMA is available in 25% CMA solution, as CAM25.
CMA OFFERS THESE ADVANTAGES
- Low Corrosion - About as corrosive as tap water.
- Safe for Concrete - No more damage than from water.
- Excellent inhibitor - Reduces chloride corrosion.
- Safe for the environment - Low toxicity and biodegradable.
- Residual effect - Requires fewer applications.
- Multi-purpose - Use straight, with salt, with sand or as a liquid.