Deicer Composition

Abstract

A deicer comprises a mixture of a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber results in an increased ice-melting capacity than using the deicing agent alone. The deicer can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, and the radiation absorber can include a dye, which can be water soluble. The deicer can also include a corrosion inhibitor and/or wetting agent. Further, a method of making a deicer includes mixing a deicing agent and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber can be dissolved in a liquid, such as bittern, which can be sprayed on a solid deicing salt.

1 . A deicer, comprising a mixture of: 
 a deicing agent comprising a solid deicing salt;    a radiation absorber comprising a dye at least partially coating the solid deicing salt; and    a pre-wetting agent.    
     
     
         2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . The deicer of  claim 1 , further comprising a corrosion inhibitor mixed with the deicing salt and dye.  
     
     
         4 . (canceled)  
     
     
         5 . The deicer of  claim 1 , wherein the radiation absorber has a greater solar radiation absorption capability than the deicing agent.  
     
     
         6 . The deicer of  claim 1 , wherein the dye is water-soluble.  
     
     
         7 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . A method of making a deicer, comprising mixing a solid deicing salt with a liquid containing bittern and at least partially coating the solid deicing salt with a radiation absorber.  
     
     
         23 . A method of deicing a surface, comprising applying to the surface a mixture of solid deicer pretreated with a radiation absorber.