This asphalt additive was developed by scientists from Hebei University of Science and Technology in China as a solution to keep roads from freezing in winter. Chloride-free acetate-based salts are reportedly less corrosive to steel and other materials and have been mixed with silicon dioxide, surfactants, blast furnace slag and sodium bicarbonate. This fine powder is coated with a polymer solution to create microcapsules and mixed with asphalt to continuously melt snow and prevent ice formation.
The asphalt additive has been tested both in the real world and in the lab and is estimated by researchers to continue working for 7-8 years after application.
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