<p>This study aimed to investigate the combustion behavior and characteristics of Ti60 alloy using rubbing test. The combustion temperature threshold and critical pressure of the Ti60 alloy were tested under various conditions, including different sizes, rotational speeds, oxygen pressures, and oxygen concentrations. Additionally, the microscopic morphology of surface damage, along with the composition and phase of the oxides, was analyzed during the ignition process of the Ti60 alloy under rubbing conditions. At the moment of ignition, the friction layer on the alloy surface fractures, creating numerous deep spalling pits. This exposure of the original metal surface to oxygen intensifies the reaction and increases heat generation, ultimately leading to ignition. When the test conditions remain constant, a larger sample size necessitates a higher oxygen pressure for ignition, as well as an increased ignition temperature. Under the same experimental conditions, both the critical pressure and ignition temperature decrease as the rotational speed, oxygen pressure, and oxygen concentration increase. The morphology and composition of post-combustion samples of the alloy were investigated. Accumulation of Zr at the at the solid–liquid interface hindered the external diffusion of titanium and oxygen, thereby preventing the spread of combustion. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the combustion behavior of titanium alloys, which can guide the design and development of titanium components for applications such as aircraft engines.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>