Oxidation process and its effects
Oxidation
starts once polyethylene base makes contact with oxygen and solar
irradiation. It speeds up with the rise of the temperature and
continues during storage. These two factors lead to the production of
oxygen containing free radicals and capable to pull out hydrogen atoms
from hydrocarbon structure of polyethylene. This is a chain reaction
and it lasts all the time while the base is in contact with oxygen,
thus, leading to the formation of decomposition products, such as
ester, acids and acetone. This structural change strongly deteriorates
physicochemical characteristics of polyethylene (its tensile strength
and modulus, density, flexibility and coefficient of friction). At the
same time, it reduces crystallinity a lot and forms white micro-cracks on the
surface. This reaction is irreversible, leading to the creation of “sterile” zones.
Oxidation can be limited and slowed down in two ways:
By adding anti-oxidants aimed at preventing radicals’ activity during
the process of base fabrication.
By applying an air and UV proof film to protect ski base, which is WAXING!
Thus, the role of waxes consists in protecting the surface of your ski
base against air oxygen and in preventing the above oxidation process.
Waxes preserve mechanical properties of your ski base, that’s why you
should always wax your skis after skiing, be it a training session or a
competition.
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