Zn/Mg/Al-CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized by coprecipitation method and the products were surface modified by oleic acid. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The tribological property of LDHs in base oil was studied by using a four-ball friction test machine. The results showed that Zn/Mg/Al-CO32--LDHs had high crystallinity and hexagonal lamellar structure with average disk diameter of about 150 nm and the chemical formula was Zn0.40Mg0.28Al0.32(OH)(2)(CO3)(0.16)center dot 0.28H(2)O. The interaction between LDHs and oleic acid molecules was based on chemisorption with a monomolecular layer on the surface of laminate. The friction test results indicated that base oil with 0.5 wt% LDHs performed optimal antifriction property and the friction coefficient and wear scar diameter reduced by 68.6% and 24.6% respectively. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.