The goal of this study is to identify a chemical substance that will be suitable for use as a deicer alternative to sodium chloride (NaCl), with a specific focus on disodium succinate hexahydrate (DSH). 

The performance of Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate as a deicer was evaluated through a series of laboratory and field tests to determine if DSH meet transportation agencies’ requirements. Freezing point, metal corrosion, ice melting performance, toxic constituents, and damage to plants were tested in the laboratory, and field tests were conducted to evaluate the deicing and anti-icing performance of Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate. 

Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate was found to cause almost no corrosion to mild steel and to foster the growth of the test plants when a small amount of Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate was applied to the soil. Considering DSH’s freezing point and material cost, application of the mixture of NaCl and Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate is considered to be a solution. A mixture of 80% NaCl and 20% DSH shows a freezing point close to that of NaCl, is 80% less corrosive to mild steel than NaCl is, and mitigates the concentration of chloride ions and the inhibitory effects of NaCl on plants. The results of the field tests suggest the possibility that the application of the NaCl/DSH mixture exhibits anti-icing and deicing performance comparable to that of conventional NaCl application. Considering DSH’s solubility in water and utilization of existing facilities and equipment, it is recommended that Disodium Succinate Hexahydrate be used in liquid form as a pre-wetting agent or a liquid deicer.