Overview
- Researchers at Universität des Saarlandes led by Martin Müser report that molecular dipole coupling at the ice–surface interface drives the formation of a thin amorphous layer.
- The study, co‑authored by Achraf Atila and Sergey Sukhomlinov, challenges the 19th‑century James Thompson view that pressure and friction cause local melting.
- Simulations show the interfacial film persists even far below −40 °C and near absolute zero, though it becomes so viscous that practical sliding is greatly reduced.
- The findings were published in Physical Review Letters and derive from advanced computer modeling rather than direct laboratory measurements.
- Potential uses are suggested for skis, skates, tires, and surface coatings by tuning dipole interactions, but experimental validation and real‑world testing remain outstanding.