Scuffing tendencies of different metals against copper under non-lubricated conditions

► Dry sliding of eight metals against Cu showed radically different scuffing behavior. ► Tungsten scuffed the least and had the lowest and stable coefficient of friction. ► Cu and Nb did not scuff at lower speed and load due to protective action of oxides. ► Mo, Ta, Ti and stainless steel had a high coefficient of friction and adhesion. ► Material transfer and adhesion of Al and Ti are consistent with theirs solubility in Cu.