01 The origin of chalk powder in sports
It is not difficult to find that athletes of single bar, parallel bar, saddle horse, weight lifting and other events should rub their hands repeatedly with a white powder before the competition. This powder is actually anti slip powder – hydrated basic magnesium carbonate, also known as light magnesium carbonate. It was first named after its physical nature in 1979.
02 The function of chalk powder
In sports, athletes’ palms often sweat. In weightlifting, rock climbing, rings, shot put, throwing, pole vault, horizontal bar, parallel bar, uneven bars, and other sports, the wet palm will reduce the friction between the hand and the equipment, resulting in the athletes can not hold the equipment tightly, which not only affects the quality of action but also leads to the equipment falling off, athletes falling and other safety accidents. Due to its lightweight, fine particles, and good water absorption, the light magnesium carbonate can be fully attached to the palm when the palm is wet. When holding the instrument, the uneven powder between the palm and the instrument can increase the friction force. At the same time, the powder fills up the folds and lines of the palm, making the grip more realistic.
In addition, light magnesium carbonate can also be used for the anti-skid treatment of the ground, such as sprinkling some powder on the badminton field, which can increase the friction between the sole and the ground. It can be seen that light magnesium carbonate is mainly used as an antiskid agent in sports to increase the friction between hands (feet) and equipment (ground).
03 Chalk powder’function in other sports
In pommel horse, horizontal bar, parallel bar, uneven bars, balance beam and other events, when the athlete turns sharply on the equipment, the smaller the friction between the hand and the equipment is, the better. At this time, the small particles of light magnesium carbonate is just equivalent to the liner, laying a layer of “small ball” between the hand and the instrument for rolling friction, thus reducing the friction.
Therefore, light magnesium carbonate can make the friction force easy to control in sports, so that athletes can act more well on the ground or equipment. It can be seen that the importance of carefully brushing “chalk powder” before athletes put on the equipment.
04 Application of chalk powder
The light magnesium carbonate used in sports includes powder, block and liquid. Powdery is more popular, often used in gymnastics, weightlifting and other sports. Blocky is made of powdery light magnesium carbonate compressed into small pieces (about 9cm Square) for storage and transportation; when used, it can be broken into small pieces or gently rubbed into powder. Liquid light magnesium carbonate is made of alcohol, which can be used in sports. When using it, squeeze it into the palm, and after the alcohol volatilizes, the powder will adhere to the palm evenly.
