Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing?

Fuente: Wiley Open Access
Gespeichert in:
Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Silje Iren Strøm, Audun Formo Buene
Format: Artículo Open Access
Veröffentlicht: Wiley 2026
Schlagworte:
Online-Zugang:
Tags: Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
_version_ 1867004679161905152
author Silje Iren Strøm
Audun Formo Buene
author_facet Silje Iren Strøm
Audun Formo Buene
Silje Iren Strøm
Audun Formo Buene
collection Wiley Open Access
contents Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing? Silje Iren Strøm Audun Formo Buene Polymer International Abstract Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene is the material of choice for modern skis due to its excellent toughness, abrasion resistance, and low coefficient of friction on snow and ice. In both competitive and recreational skiing, minimizing ski–snow friction is essential to maximize speed, performance, and enjoyment. Throughout the history of skiing there have been ways to modify ski surface chemistry for enhanced gliding performance. Most recently, the ban on fluorinated additives has rendered most existing high‐performance glide products and waxing strategies obsolete. This has led to renewed interest in fluorine‐free strategies for achieving low friction. This mini‐review summarizes recent advances in polyolefin functionalization which facilitate chemical surface modification of polyethylene for ski applications, with emphasis on covalent approaches that provide durable and tunable surface properties. In particular, the use of aryl azides as photochemical precursors for nitrene insertion into the relatively inert CH bonds of polyethylene represents a promising strategy. Studies on aryl‐ and triazine‐derived azides demonstrate that controlled nitrene chemistry can enable direct covalent attachment of functional small molecules under mild conditions. The ability to covalently modify polyethylene surfaces opens a new frontier in ski tribology, offering the potential for tailored surface chemistry properties. This approach could redefine the design principles for next‐generation high‐speed skis. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. 10.1002/pi.70121 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
doi_str_mv 10.1002/pi.70121
format Artículo Open Access
id wiley_oa_10_1002_pi_70121
institution Wiley Open Access
license_str_mv http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
publishDate 2026
publisher Wiley
record_format wiley_oa
spellingShingle Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing?
Silje Iren Strøm
Audun Formo Buene
Polymer International
Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing? Silje Iren Strøm Audun Formo Buene Polymer International Abstract Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene is the material of choice for modern skis due to its excellent toughness, abrasion resistance, and low coefficient of friction on snow and ice. In both competitive and recreational skiing, minimizing ski–snow friction is essential to maximize speed, performance, and enjoyment. Throughout the history of skiing there have been ways to modify ski surface chemistry for enhanced gliding performance. Most recently, the ban on fluorinated additives has rendered most existing high‐performance glide products and waxing strategies obsolete. This has led to renewed interest in fluorine‐free strategies for achieving low friction. This mini‐review summarizes recent advances in polyolefin functionalization which facilitate chemical surface modification of polyethylene for ski applications, with emphasis on covalent approaches that provide durable and tunable surface properties. In particular, the use of aryl azides as photochemical precursors for nitrene insertion into the relatively inert CH bonds of polyethylene represents a promising strategy. Studies on aryl‐ and triazine‐derived azides demonstrate that controlled nitrene chemistry can enable direct covalent attachment of functional small molecules under mild conditions. The ability to covalently modify polyethylene surfaces opens a new frontier in ski tribology, offering the potential for tailored surface chemistry properties. This approach could redefine the design principles for next‐generation high‐speed skis. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. 10.1002/pi.70121 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
title Can C–H nitrene functionalization of polyethylene be the future of ski racing?
topic Polymer International
url https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pi.70121