The effectiveness of chalk as a friction modifier for finger pad contact with rocks of varying roughness

The application of chalk (magnesium carbonate) in rock climbing is common practice as climbers attempt to improve their grip by removing moisture from their hands with the aim of increasing friction at the finger pad-rock interface. This novel work investigated the effectiveness of chalk as a friction modifier on four different rocks (sandstone, granite, dark limestone, and light limestone) typically found in areas of the U.K. where the sport of climbing is undertaken, with varying surface roughness. The static coefficient of friction was measured for dry and wet fingertip conditions with and without chalk, under normal (“grip”) forces of 5 N, 10 N and 15 N. Results showed that the effectiveness of chalk as a friction modifier is dependent on a number of factors such as moisture level and the gradient of the asperity at the rock surface, however, in general chalk applied to dry fingertips had a more positive effect on the static coefficient of friction than in simulated sweaty conditions. During lab tests, chalk was also seen to be beneficial by making the static coefficient of friction more consistent across most test conditions. The results of this study, and the explanation of friction mechanisms involved, provides guidance for the use of chalk with consideration of the type of rock which is being climbed.