The Facts of Ski Wax The Chemistry Behind

The Facts of Ski Wax The Chemistry Behind Snow Skiing By Anne, Chris K. , Kyle, and Melisse

The many uses of ski wax…

The Benefits of Ski Wax • More control • Smooth gliding results in increased balance • Prevents ski base from oxidizing • Increases ski speed • Protects ski base from permanent damage

What is a wax? • Wax is an ester with a long chain of alcohol and another chain of fatty acids • Closely resembles a long hydrocarbon chain • Wax base is similar to plastic base– hence its hydrophobic tendency Structure of wax

Chemical Structure of Ski Wax Tetrafluoroethylene • Elements of Fluorine and Carbon create a fluorocarbon • Chains of these tetrafluoroethylene monomers create a polymer • The different lengths of polymers indicate different wax properties

More on the Chemical Structure… • The tetrafluoroethylene polymer is very similar to Teflon • Possesses Teflon-like property of “nonstickiness”

Why Ski Wax Works • Ski wax works by lowering friction between ski’s surface and the snow • Waxing fills pores of the ski base, hence less friction • Temperature and type of snow dictates a wax’s performance

Snow Types • New Snow O • Old Snow • Artificial Snow H H

Types of Glide Wax • Fluorocarbon Powders and Sintered Powders ØSpecifically synthesized for racing bases • High Fluorocarbon Waxes ØHigh percentage of fluorocarbon additive infused with paraffin wax • Low Fluorocarbon Waxes ØLow percentage of fluorocarbon additive infused with paraffin wax • Hydrocarbon Waxes ØNo fluorocarbon material; 100% hydrocarbon paraffins

Kick Wax and Klister • In cross-country skiing, there is a need to balance the combination of sticking and sliding • The softer the wax = more grip (good for pushing off) • Two substances that provide kick: o Hard Kick Wax: Paraffin-based wax used for new, fine-grained snow o Klister: used for older, coarser snow

Careers Involving Ski Wax • World Cup Team of 6 skiers employs around 3 wax technicians • Top chemists in European wax companies make upwards of $200, 000 (US) yearly

Ski wax in action…

“It makes or breaks the race. You’ve got to be strong, have good technique, and know the chemistry and physics behind ski wax. ” -Jessica Kleiss, US Collegiate Ski Champion