The ice friction of polymeric substrates

► A new fixture has been designed and used with a rotational rheometer for friction measurements. ► The effects of T, sliding speeds, surface topography and hydrophobicity on ice friction are studied. ► A new friction regime at very low speeds is explored and explained based on the experimental results. ► Friction at low (ice plastic deformation of ice) and high velocities (lubrication) are differentiated.