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 controlMore control Smooth gliding results in increased balanceSmooth gliding results in increased balance Prevents ski base from oxidizingPrevents ski base from oxidizing Increases ski speedIncreases ski speed Protects ski base from permanent damageProtects ski base from permanent damage

What is a wax? Wax is an ester with a long chain of alcohol and another chain of fatty acidsWax is an ester with a long chain of alcohol and another chain of fatty acids Closely resembles a long hydrocarbon chainClosely resembles a long hydrocarbon chain Wax base is similar to plastic base– hence its hydrophobic tendencyWax 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 fluorocarbonElements of Fluorine and Carbon create a fluorocarbon Chains of these tetrafluoroethylene monomers create a polymerChains of these tetrafluoroethylene monomers create a polymer The different lengths of polymers indicate different wax propertiesThe different lengths of polymers indicate different wax properties

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

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

Snow Types New SnowNew Snow Old SnowOld Snow Artificial SnowArtificial Snow HH O

Types of Glide Wax Fluorocarbon Powders and Sintered PowdersFluorocarbon Powders and Sintered Powders  Specifically synthesized for racing bases High Fluorocarbon WaxesHigh Fluorocarbon Waxes  High percentage of fluorocarbon additive infused with paraffin wax Low Fluorocarbon WaxesLow Fluorocarbon Waxes  Low percentage of fluorocarbon additive infused with paraffin wax Hydrocarbon WaxesHydrocarbon Waxes  No fluorocarbon material; 100% hydrocarbon paraffins

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

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