Does potassium formate de-icing agent cause damage to road surfaces?

Yes. Potassium formate is a chlorine-free organic salt de-icing agent commonly used for removing ice from airport concrete pavements during winter. Formate or acetate-based de-icing agents are safer alternatives to conventional sodium chloride. However, these materials contain alkali ions that may adversely affect the cement matrix and aggregates. Specifically, the risk of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) significantly increases, potentially leading to concrete expansion and cracking.

You may like