snow

Slip risk on ceramic floors: The need for a unified measurement standard

By Lisa McDonald / December 15, 2023

Currently there is no unified standard for classifying flooring materials based on their slip resistance. Researchers in Spain revealed the discrepancies between different slip tests and proposed several ways to standardize these methods to achieve more meaningful results.

Read More

Paraffin offers superior solution to road salt for melting snow, ice

By Faye Oney / September 26, 2017

Salt has long been used on roads and sidewalks to melt snow and ice, but it can destroy vehicles and the environment over time. Researchers have developed a method for melting snow and ice using paraffin, which is less expensive and environmentally-friendly.

Read More

Do your winter boots pass the test? WinterLab says 90% of boots fail slip resistance on ice

By April Gocha / December 9, 2016

A special Canadian laboratory called WinterLab reports that, when put to a special scientific test, 90% of winter boots fail in their ability to prevent slipping in icy conditions.

Read More

It’s electric: Conductive concrete cost-effectively heats up to melt away snow and ice

By April Gocha / February 15, 2016

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a winning recipe for electrically conductive concrete that can gently heat up to melt away icy accumulations, yet remain safe to the touch.

Read More

What works for penguins could work for planes: Secrets of the feather show how to prevent ice formation

By April Gocha / December 21, 2015

New research shows that when it comes to anti-icing surfaces, the animal world’s most dapper creatures have a few tricks on their flippers.

Read More

Greener de-icers and smarter snowplows could equal less bucks for state budgets

By Jessica McMathis / January 8, 2015

To combat the cost of road salt—as well as its impact on our environment—one Washington State University researcher is busy cooking up greener ice-melting materials that use fewer chemicals.

Read More

Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Eileen De Guire / December 31, 2013

Other materials stories that may be of interest

Read More