Analytical Methods to Determine Chemical Changes in High-Oil Paraffin Binders Used in Granular Composites

The effectiveness of six analytical tests are evaluated in detecting chemical changes over time of high-oil paraffin wax binders used in synthetic sports surfaces. These granular composites are used in many North American Thoroughbred horse racetracks and other equine sports surfaces. Changes in the wax binder can affect the mechanical properties which can have safety implications for the horses and jockeys/riders. The binder was removed via solvent extraction and differences in chemical composition were determined through oil extraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray fluorescence, thermal gravimetric analysis and optical refractive index.