Application and tribological properties of graphene oxide (GO) monolayer sheets as additives in water-based lubricants were investigated. The lubricating fluids were applied to a sintered tungsten carbide ball and stainless steel flat plate. It was found that adding GO particles into water improved lubrication and provided a very low friction coefficient of approximately 0.05 with no obvious surface wear after 60,000 cycles of friction testing. GO adsorption occurred on the lubricated surfaces of both the ball and flat plate, suggesting GO sheets may behave as protective coatings. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.