Ski wax: if you know something about...

Posts: 823 - Karma: 126

Karma: 126

Posts: 823

Insane

i am working on a paper in my chem class for a semester project and it is on ski wax and the effects it has on the environement. if you know any good places to find a good article on the web or periodicals or books, i could use the imput. if you work in a shop, are a chemist, colege chem major/minor, or work at a company that makes or sells wax i would like to hear from you. if you know someone who i can directly contact from a company that makes wax or tuning equipment it would aid my research. Any opinions on one wax versus aother and its pros and cons (your opinion) id like to hear those also.

Feb 20 2009 1:51PM

0 0

Keyjibbs

Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96

Karma: 96

Posts: 1542

Insane

Purlracing.com has some pretty good info. I'm sure if you try emailing the owner he'd help you out too.

Feb 20 2009 1:55PM

0 0

ontwosticks

Posts: 915 - Karma: 95

Karma: 95

Posts: 915

Insane

One of the big environmental issues is the difference between flourocarbon waxes and hydrocarbon waxes. Statistically, flouro waxes are more water resistant and are hence faster on the snow. But, they are also a softer wax, so you need to wax more often. But you should see a significant difference in speed between your traditional hydrocarbon and new flourocarbon waxes.

Chemically, the difference is the replacement of H atoms with the more electrically charged F atom. Flourine is also significantly heavier than Hydrogen in large quantities.

Environmentally, neither wax is good for the environment. There are a million pages of research available on the harms of hydrocarbons. (Think Methane CH4) So even though waxes are a solid, when you melt it, it will release some gasses, and when it runs off your skis on the snow it harms plant life in the area. Flourocarbons are also worse for the environment, (think chloroflourocarbons, CFC's) and more dangerous if you were to breathe some of the fumes in.

If you want to do some more research into it, try calling a company like swix, they'll give you some info.

Feb 20 2009 3:27PM

0 0

Silence

Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150

Karma: 150

Posts: 16030

Post Whore

Check the effects of Paraffin fumes

Feb 20 2009 3:39PM

0 0

huge-go

Posts: 1451 - Karma: 33

Karma: 33

Posts: 1451

Insane

That's a common misconception. People usually associate fluorcarbons with CFC's, but CFC's far worse than Fluorocarbons. Waxing in general does have a negative effect on the environment though.

Feb 20 2009 3:52PM

0 0