The tribological properties and action mechanism of non-active organic molybdate ester and its combination with ZDDP

► A non-active molybdate (ME) was synthesized from cheap material in a batch process. ► ME possesses excellent anti-wear and frcition-reducing properties. ► ME can replace or partly replcace ZDDP in the case of anti-wear and friction-reducing. ► The relationship between tribofilms and tribological properties on containing-molybdenum compounds is better understood.