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Nature Nanotechnology 4, 703–704 (1 November 2009) | doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.328

Polymers: Performing under pressure

Thomas P. Russell & Dong Hyun Lee

Does ice melt when we skate? If the skater is heavy enough, the skates are sharp enough and the air temperature is not too cold, localized melting will occur. The thin layer of water formed beneath the skates reduces the friction of the ice and allows the skater to glide easily over the surface (depending on the skater's skill level, of course).