Investigation of friction mechanisms during the sliding of elastomers against hard parallel-ridge textures

► Friction testing was performed with elastomer probes against textured polymer surfaces. ► The adhesion model of friction was validated using a silicone probe against a non-textured surface. ► Raised area fraction of textures was shown to be most important for sliding parallel to ridges. ► Deformation effects overshadowed adhesion effects when sliding transverse to ridges.