Synthetic ice

Intro:Synthetic ice (or artificial ice) is skating surface for blade skates and is an alternative to refrigerated ice. Synthetic ice floors consist of interconnected panels to create a larger surface area in which to skate which also makes the floor portable. The panels can be connected edge to edge, or with a tongue and groove, or in an interlocking, dove tail pattern. Because the plastic of all synthetic ice floors expand and contract with temperature changes, the panels must interlock. Unless you make the temperature of the room static, you must have interlocking panels to prevent gaps in the surface from forming as the panels expand and contract. The most stable technique is the interlocking jig-saw or the dove tail joint. This type of interlocking panel makes for the most stable synthetic ice surface, regardless of temperature changes. Synthetic ice rinks require a flat and firm surface for best performance and to eliminate any unevenness in the seams of panels. The lifespan of the floors depend on manufacturer, compound, and usage. Typically a skating surface will last between 15-25 years, depending on usage and traffic.

How/Why it works:Skating on refrigerated ice, the blade increases the temperature of the microscopic top layers of the ice reducing drag and causing the blade to glide on top of the ice. The most realistic recreation of natural ice is found in the high-end synthetic ice panels that incorporate microscopic beading on the surface to simulate the slight melting of ice under a skate blade.

Liquid surface enhancements are common among synthetic ice products to further reduce drag on the skate blade over the artificial surface. Initial trials of the surface enhancers were rudimentary and many of these products required the application of silicon to reduce drag to simulate the blade of a skate on ice. Advancements in the industry have removed the need for silicon. Biodegradable and water soluble solutions have been found to be more effective in decreasing the drag or friction on the surface of the synthetic ice. The biodegradable solutions can be reconstituted by the simple application of water. These enhancements vary among the types of surfaces and on how much to use to re-create an ice-like feel.

History:In the mid 1960s, first attempts were made in creating a skating surface other than ice. These were primitive endeavors with standard sheets of plastic or some variation of plastic or other smooth materials. Decades later and with many improvements to the concept of ice-less 'ice', and with the availability of high density polymer plastics, synthetic ice emerged.

Advantages:Synthetic ice rinks can create scenarios that are impossible with the limitations of water, such as an inclined or even banked skating surface for strength and speed training. Skaters find the same benefits as from refrigerated ice. Along with the convenience of portability, no power consumption, and the ability for private citizens to own any size rink, ice skaters and hockey players perform the same stunts and drills on the artificial surface as they would on natural ice.

Sources

http://www.skridsko.net/klubbar/data/science.htmlhttp://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/hands_on_plastics/intro_to_plastics/students.htmlhttp://www.nordiciceconsulting.comhttp://www.ezglide.comhttp://www.coldproducts.comhttp://www.kwikrink.comhttp://www.vikingice.com