Which characteristic is essential for a de-icing fluid to be effective?

For a de-icing fluid to be effective, having low viscosity is essential. Low viscosity allows the fluid to flow easily and spread uniformly over the surface of the aircraft, ensuring that it can penetrate and break the bonding of ice or frost. If the de-icing fluid is too viscous, it may not adequately cover the surfaces or may fail to interact properly with the ice, leading to incomplete removal or ineffective de-icing.

In addition to low viscosity, other characteristics such as freezing point and surface tension are also important in evaluating de-icing fluids. However, low viscosity directly correlates with the fluid's ability to perform effectively in lower temperatures and against ice buildup. This property enables rapid application and better efficacy during the de-icing process.