Anti-icers and deicers prevent ice formation, remove existing surface ice, and remove or prevent frost. Deicers break up existing snow and ice while anti-icers prevent ice formation and adhesion. 

Deicing and anti-icing involves the removal and prevention of snow, ice, or frost buildup. The deicing process may involve manual scraping, heat application, or the use of chemicals to lower the freezing point of water; the latter type is discussed herein. 

Components deicers and anti-icers are prominently used within the aerospace, commercial aircraft, and transportation industries. Aircraft grounded during freezing conditions and precipitation typically develop ice or frost on control surfaces; the resulting uneven surfaces disrupt lift, increase drag, and may ultimately impair aerodynamic performance. Additionally, large chunks of ice may dislodge in flight and damage engines or propellers, and supercooled water droplets within clouds can form ice on wing edges during flight. For this reason, chemical deicing is mandatory at airports when temperatures are expected to be near freezing (0° C or 32° F)