Chemistry on the ball
As the World Cup kicks off today, keep your eye out for the effects of
specialty chemicals.
People all over the world are eagerly awaiting todays opening of the 2006
FIFA World Cup in Germany. This is when lifes most wonderful irrelevance
football, known to Americans as soccer will again become the main event.
While our teams keep their fingers crossed, we can rest assured that our
efforts will also contribute to successful matches. Special chemical effects
have become indispensable in professional football.
Forward with team spirit
Did you know that a new ball made entirely from synthetic materials was
developed specifically for the 2006 World Cup? Called Team Spirit, the ball
is made of multiple layers of plastic between which is sandwiched a
cold-flexible polyurethane foam consisting of extremely elastic, gas-filled
micro-cells. These enable the ball to absorb the energy of an impact and send
it flying high. The Team Spirit is formed from 14 individual sections that
are not sewn together but seamlessly glued using a new adhesive technique. The
balls polymer surface coating keeps it looking good even after many matches.
High-tech from head to toe
In the 1950s, football shoes still resembled work boots: They were clunky,
brown, and leather and had the cleats nailed on. Todays shoes are far more
sophisticated: Made of 70 percent synthetic materials, they are extremely
light, sturdy, and waterproof yet breathable, keeping the players feet dry
even in the pouring rain. The sole, made of spray injected plastic, is
foam-glued directly to the shoes upper.
Todays polyester football jersey stands up better to rain, sun, and dueling
opponents than cotton jerseys. Optical brighteners keep it vibrant, while
softeners and antibacterial agents provide comfort and a fresh feeling. While
most jerseys are produced with polyester microfibers, circular or
warp‑knitted materials are also used. The refined fiber structure offers
so‑called pro‑moisture management that transports wetness away from
the body. The seams are partially heat-sealed, lending improved aerodynamics
and comfort, while the cut and special treatment promote air circulation. Thus,
the jersey is comfortable to wear, but it also doesnt allow the player to
over-cool.
Greater safety and more fun
Chemical effects also play an important role on the sidelines of the football
match. Are you one of the lucky fans to experience a match live and in person?
Then you may be pleased to know that your stadium seat has flame-retardant
attributes. The seats of the FIFA World Cup stadium in Munich, for example,
contain Ciba® TINUVIN® FR 2021, a new additive system that allows
UV‑resistant and flame‑retardant effects to be incorporated right
into the plastic.
Every football stadium in the world has many other areas of application for
specialty chemicals, such as roofs made of synthetic materials that are found
in 10 out of the 12 arenas in which this years World Cup games will be played.
Chemistry enhances the World Cup experience for everyone, making the ball
faster, the players more comfortable, and TV images more vivid.
Further chemical effects can be found in advertising banners, flags, scarves,
and many other fan articles. Spectators keep their eyes glued to cinema screen
televisions for the latest match information. These modern LCD screens display
images consisting of points of light in the basic colors red, green, and blue,
functional colors developed by the chemical industry. You too can benefit from
this technology: Nearly every LCD television contains pigments and
photoinitiators manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals. We are the market
leader for the red pigments in particular. So, if your favorite team wears red
jerseys, keep in mind that the players look so life-like on TV thanks in part
to technology from Ciba.
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