A 90 wt percent glycerol solution functions as a standardized boundary lubricant designed to simulate extreme workplace hazards. By maintaining a specific viscosity of 136 mPa·s, it creates a stable and significant reduction in the friction coefficient between a safety shoe sole and a floor surface. This allows researchers and safety officers to replicate and evaluate the most dangerous, slippery conditions a worker might encounter.
By stabilizing friction at a low level, this specific glycerol concentration allows testing methods to effectively identify high-risk danger zones that might otherwise be missed by less rigorous simulations.
The Mechanics of the Simulation
The Role of Boundary Lubrication
The primary technical function of the 90 wt percent glycerol solution is to act as a boundary lubricant.
In tribology (the study of friction), this means the fluid creates a physical separation film between the two contact surfaces: the shoe sole and the floor. This film prevents direct contact, forcing the footwear to rely entirely on its tread design and material composition to generate grip.
The Importance of Specific Viscosity
The reliability of this test hinges on the solution's viscosity, which is standardized at 136 mPa·s.
This specific thickness is critical because it ensures the fluid does not disperse too quickly under the weight of a step. It maintains a consistent layer that stably reduces friction, eliminating variables that could lead to inconsistent data.
Replicating Real-World Hazards
Simulating Extreme Conditions
Safety testing requires validating equipment against worst-case scenarios, not just average conditions.
The 90 wt percent glycerol solution is used to mimic the most extreme slippery conditions found in industrial workplaces. This ensures that a passing grade on a slip resistance test actually corresponds to safety in an environment contaminated with viscous, slippery fluids.
Identifying High-Risk Zones
The ultimate goal of using this specific lubricant is risk identification.
By stably reducing the friction coefficient, the solution creates a baseline for high-risk danger zones. If a footwear evaluation method can accurately detect slip potential using this lubricant, it is considered effective for spotting hazards in real-world environments.
Understanding the Testing Context
Specificity of the Contaminant
It is important to recognize that 90 wt percent glycerol simulates a specific class of contaminants.
It models the behavior of viscous fluids (like oils or syrups) rather than low-viscosity hazards like plain water. While effective for extreme conditions, it focuses on the mechanics of fluid film lubrication.
The "Worst-Case" Standard
This testing method is intentionally rigorous.
Because it simulates extreme conditions, it sets a high bar for performance. Footwear that performs well under these parameters is generally expected to offer superior protection across a range of less severe environments.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When interpreting slip resistance data derived from 90 wt percent glycerol simulations, consider your specific objectives:
- If your primary focus is Product Development: Ensure your tread designs are engineered to penetrate a fluid film with a viscosity of 136 mPa·s to establish contact with the substrate.
- If your primary focus is Workplace Safety: Use these test results to select footwear specifically for environments prone to viscous spills, such as food processing plants or machine shops.
By using this standardized lubricant, you ensure that safety evaluations are based on a consistent, repeatable, and rigorously dangerous baseline.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Technical Specification | Functional Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricant Type | 90 wt% Glycerol Solution | Acts as a standardized boundary lubricant |
| Viscosity | 136 mPa·s | Ensures a stable fluid film to reduce friction consistently |
| Simulation Goal | Extreme Workplace Hazards | Mimics viscous spills like oils or syrups |
| Testing Focus | Tread & Material Design | Forces footwear to grip without direct surface contact |
| Key Outcome | High-Risk Identification | Establishes a rigorous "worst-case" safety baseline |
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References
- Kei Shibata, Akihiro Ohnishi. Foot rubbing evaluation of friction between shoe and flooring. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275385
This article is also based on technical information from 3515 Knowledge Base .
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