Dynamic and static friction measurements of elastomer footwear blocks on ice surface

This study conducted friction experiments of three elastomer block materials on ice (low pressure injection of polyurethane (PU), injection moulding of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and vulcanization of rubber (RU)), with a linear tribometer operating under four different ambient air temperatures (-10 to 0 degrees C) and six different sliding velocities (0.3-5 m/s). At low temperatures (-10 degrees C and-5 degrees C), the RU material showed the highest dynamic and static friction. However, at high temperatures (-2 degrees C and 0 degrees C) the PU revealed the highest dy-namic friction and highest static friction at 0 degrees C. We discuss the physical phenomena's of elastomer friction on ice and in relation to the application of footwear slipping on ice.

Automated summary

This study conducted friction experiments on three types of elastomer block materials on ice and found that different materials exhibit different dynamic and static friction under various temperatures. The findings are significant for understanding the friction behavior of elastomers on ice and the application of footwear on icy surfaces.