Chemical degradation of a paraffin wax-based binder used in granular composite sport surfaces

Bridge, John W.; Weisshaupt, Kristofer S.; Fisher, R. M.; Dempsey, Kaleb M.; Peterson, Michael

doi:10.1007/s12283-016-0216-8

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Wax from aged all-weather track surfaces can separate from the sand and fibre, resulting in a sticky surface due to loss of oil (Bridge, Mahaffey, & Peterson, 2014), as demonstrated here. Degradation and age appear to have a more significant impact on the oil rather than the microcrystalline wax within surface binders that over time may result in lowered thermal transition peaks (Bridge et al, 2017), a phenomenon seen in this current study.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

“…There were some differences in sand particle size distribution which can influence sensitivity to moisture (Barrey et al, 1991) and may have explained some of the variation in this study. Management, environment and level of use will influence degradation, resulting in changes in surface behaviour (Bridge, Weisshaupt, Fisher, Dempsey & Peterson, 2017). One track, due to be re-treated with wax, showed less sensitivity to temperature and tended to clump together.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Operational temperatures of all-weather thoroughbred racetracks influence surface functional properties

Northrop

Martin

Holt

et al. 2020

Biosystems Engineering

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The surface temperature of all-weather racetracks has previously been correlated to speed. However specific functional properties such as grip, cushioning and impact firmness have not been directly compared to environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to assess how temperature influences functional properties of racetracks, and categorise surface wax binders according to first thermal transition peak, and compare responses at different operational temperatures. Functional properties were determined for UK all-weather racetrack surfaces (n = 6) using mechanical testing equipment which assess the loads experienced by the forelimb at gallop (randomised block design).Tests were carried out using latex lined moulds, embedded within a test box with a predefined boundary at 0°C, 20°C and 40°C. Wax binders underwent differential scanning calorimetry to identify thermal transition peaks. Changes in operational temperatures significantly influenced surface responses when a wax binder was part of the composition. Temperature was a factor that significantly contributed to the variation found in horizontal grip (F2, 237 = 65.69, P<0.001), cushioning (F2, 237 = 58.24, P<0.001), impact firmness (F2, 237 = 28.02, P<0.001) and rotational grip (F12, 65 = 9.45, P<0.001). Using a test box meant individual racetracks were generalised but this enabled conditions to be controlled. Colder temperatures demonstrated higher surface hardness and shear resistance that may increase risk of musculoskeletal injury although this was not measured here. Awareness of the effect temperature has on specific track behaviour allows maintenance protocols to be further developed to improve consistency when temperatures change, with the aim of improving safety.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Operational temperatures of all-weather thoroughbred racetracks influence surface functional properties

Northrop

Martin

Holt

et al. 2020

Biosystems Engineering

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“…Research by John Bridge at University of Washington, Bothell, USA, has examined the mechanisms of wax degradation in racetracks with synthetic surfaces [62]. This approach has the potential to extend the life of these surfaces to ensure a consistently safe surface over time.…”

Section: Racetrack Surfaces and Relationship With Catastrophic Breakdmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Once a track surface has been developed that provides good biomechanics and consistency over time, objective measurements must be made and communicated in a manner that builds confidence in the consistency of the track for all stakeholders. Development of performance measures from the perspective of the participants may be able to benefit from the criteria developed by the committee associated with the Fédération Equestre Internationale [62]. However, understanding the effect of these parameters on risk to the horse will require widespread adoption of the testing of racing surfaces.…”

Section: Racetrack Surfaces and Relationship With Catastrophic Breakdmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective

et al. 2020

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This review addresses the question of whether Thoroughbred horse racing is sustainable in the context of current social values. A recently acknowledged framework, known as ‘Social License to Operate’ (SLO), provides us with a lens through which to view and assess racehorse welfare. In multiple surveys of the general public, the horse owning public, and university students, the primary topics of concern regarding Thoroughbred racing show considerable concordance: concern about catastrophic injuries—particularly as related to track surfaces, concern over the racing of two-year-olds, whip use by jockeys, drug/medication policies, and aftercare opportunities for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Legitimacy of an industry, consent from industry stakeholders, and trust between the community players, are all essential to have and maintain SLO. In the current era of 24/7 global media access, and the proliferation of social media providing an interactive platform for all interested parties, a dramatic change has occurred in commentary related to racehorse welfare concerns. The situation at Santa Anita (California, USA) from late December 2018 through mid-November 2019 demonstrated just how tenuous the SLO for horse racing is. This article will provide a brief review of what ‘Social License to Operate’ is, along with a brief literature review of five of the areas of primary concern voiced by stakeholders.

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Accelerated UV Aging of a Wax-Based Binder Used in Synthetic Granular Composite Equine Sports Surfaces

Bridge

Yeung

Dempsey³

et al. 2022

Journal of Testing and Evaluation

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A series of controlled ultraviolet (UV) exposure tests were conducted on a virgin high-oil content, paraffin-based wax binder used in an operational US Thoroughbred horse racetrack to simulate multiyear outside exposure. This type of hydrocarbon binder is commonly used in synthetic granular composite surfaces used in North American Thoroughbred horse racetracks and other equine sports surfaces. The binder coats the sand, fiber, and rubber particulate that make up the surface. Previous research on this binder, extracted yearly from the same racetrack over a six-year period, showed that environmental oxidation increased steadily (no material was added to the surface during this period). Chemical and compositional changes to the binder have been shown to affect the mechanical performance of the overall surface, which may impact the safety of both horse and jockey/rider. The results of this study demonstrate that two days of accelerated aging in the laboratory using a UV-modified convective furnace generates binder oxidation consistent with six years of natural environmental exposure. The increase in oxidation over time, determined using the 1,700 cm−1 carbonyl absorption peak in the infrared absorption spectrum, was found to be linear in nature, thus giving a practical method to correlate aging over time with other synthetic racetrack surfaces and associated wax-based binders. Results were substantiated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with supporting data from differential scanning calorimetry, and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection.

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Chemical degradation of a paraffin wax-based binder used in granular composite sport surfaces

Cited by 5 publications

References 6 publications

Operational temperatures of all-weather thoroughbred racetracks influence surface functional properties

Operational temperatures of all-weather thoroughbred racetracks influence surface functional properties

Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective

Accelerated UV Aging of a Wax-Based Binder Used in Synthetic Granular Composite Equine Sports Surfaces

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