Science helps the Olympic Games

2002/02/04 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Diseinua
• Materialak
• Kimika

As published in the American Chemistry Association weekly, this year's Winter Olympics will have a major influence on science. In fact, the most advanced technology has been used for the manufacture of materials and sportswear. This can lead to the best brands of all time.

To make skis lighter, more durable, resistant and sensitive, wood, fiberglass, titanium, carbon fibers or kevlar are mixed, among others. Therefore, in the search for the best combination of materials, athletes and chemists work together.

In addition, new waxes have been invented to gently slide skis in hard snow, to cover clothes and protect them from the cold. For example, University of California chemist Donatelly has claimed that some of the Olympic medal winners used Super HotSauce wax invented by himself. The main feature of this wax is that it responds to the change of state from the top to the bottom of the mountain.

Skates and sticks used in ice hockey have also had many novelties. For example, the grip of the stick uses material that adapts with heat to the shape of the hand.

The show is about to begin. See what benefits athletes bring to technological advances!