Sort:  
  • Trending
    • [-]
     22 hours ago  

    Aircraft de-icing fluids come in four main types (I, II, III, IV), with Type I being the most common for initial de-icing.

    Core composition:

    • Propylene glycol (main antifreeze base, 50-100% concentration) or sometimes ethylene glycol (less common due to toxicity).
    • Water (diluted to 25-100% fluid, depending on strength).
    • Surfactants, dyes, and corrosion inhibitors (small percentages for better adhesion, visibility, and metal protection).
    • Thickeners (in Types II-IV): Polymers like xanthan gum to increase viscosity for anti-icing holdover.

    Types II-IV add these for longer protection but require higher shear-off speeds.

    From NASA aviation resources on aircraft icing fluids.