The triboelectric series is a list that ranks materials based on their tendency to become electrically charged when they come into contact with each other through friction. When two materials with different positions in the triboelectric series are rubbed together, electrons may be transferred from one material to the other, leading to the generation of static electricity. The triboelectric series helps predict the direction of electron transfer and the resulting charge separation.

Here is a simplified triboelectric series, listing materials from most negative to most positive:

  1. Fur
  2. Glass
  3. Human Hair
  4. Quartz
  5. Nylon
  6. Wool
  7. Silk
  8. Paper
  9. Cotton
  10. Wood
  11. Amber
  12. Sealing Wax
  13. Hard Rubber
  14. Nickel, Copper
  15. Sulfur
  16. Gold, Silver, Platinum
  17. Aluminum, Steel
  18. Lead
  19. Zinc
  20. Tin
  21. Brass, Bronze
  22. Phosphor Bronze
  23. Nickel, Chromium
  24. Manganin
  25. Constantan
  26. Red Brass
  27. Monel Metal
  28. German Silver
  29. Alloy of Aluminum, Iron, Nickel, Cobalt
  30. Bismuth
  31. Copper
  32. Mercury
  33. Lead
  34. Silver
  35. Gold
  36. Platinum

It’s important to note that the triboelectric series is a general guide, and the actual charge produced can depend on various factors, including environmental conditions, surface conditions, and more. The series helps provide a qualitative understanding of the electrostatic charging behavior of different materials.

Back to Glossary Index Page