摘要：Oleic acid surface-modified Cu nanoparticles with an average size of 20 nm were prepared by liquid phase reducing reaction. The tribological performance and mechanism of nanocopper as additive were studied by means of tribotester, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and nanoindentation instrument. The results indicate that the modified nanocopper additive can significantly improve the wear resistance and reduce friction coefficient of base oil. A copper protective film is formed and contributes to the excellent tribological properties of nanocopper additive. On the basis of the film forming mechanism, a new in-situ repair method was designed and used to repair wear-out-failure injection pump plunger and barrel. Furthermore, the current research progress of nanoparticles as green energy-saving lubricating oil additives were presented.