Oleic acid surface-modified Lanthanum trifluoride-graphene oxide (OA-LaF3-GO) nanohybrids were successfully prepared by surface modification technology. The morphology and phase structure of as-prepared samples were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrometry and thermogravimetry. The results revealed that OA were bonded onto the surface of LaF3-GO nanohybrids. Subsequently, the tribological properties of OA-LaF3-GO nanohybrids as lubricant additive in liquid paraffin were evaluated with a four-ball machine, and the morphology and elemental composition of worn steel surfaces were examined on a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer. Tribological results showed that OA-LaF3-GO nanohybrids had excellent friction reduction and antiwear ability at the loading of 0.5 wt.% OA-LaF3-GO nanohybrids, compared to liquid paraffin alone. The results of energy dispersive spectrometer revealed that improved tribological properties resulted from OA-LaF3-GO could transfer to the rubbed steel surface and decompose to form protective layers, which help to improve tribological properties. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.