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Revealing the frictional behavior through the lens of structural and chemical evolution is crucial for comprehending the exceptional wear-resistance of alloys with complex composition. Here, we propose that superior wear resistance can be achieved via dynamic surface segregation during sliding at room temperature. This strategy was demonstrated in CrCoNi multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) films with nano-grain structure, which exhibit a remarkably low wear rate that is <50 % of that for their VCoNi counterpart. Such distinct wear behavior is attributed to the specific friction-driven Ni segregation on the CrCoNi surface, which facilitates the preferential oxidation and formation of a nanocomposite protective layer with equiaxed nanograins uniformly embedded in an amorphous matrix. This wear-induced unique microstructure accommodates sliding-induced plastic deformation against damage and is responsible for the superior wear-resistance. Having revealed these fundamental mechanisms by experiment and simulation, this study provides a brand-new perception for designing self-adaptive MPEA surfaces. This involves adjusting the evolution of deformation layers with specific structure and chemistry, precisely engineered for tribological applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The ultra-low friction is achieved by using the inorganic salts and the proton-based ionic liquid. • The addition of the proton-based ionic liquid and the inorganic salts can enhance the P B value to 3090 N. • The system is suitable for a wide range of applications, including load ranges, sliding speed range and different alcohol types. • The proton ionic liquid not only can be adsorbed on the surface of the friction pairs, but also can form a triple film to get ultra-low friction. • The addition of inorganic salts that can form hydrated molecular layer to withstand high normal loads is the key factor. Macroscale facilitated lubrication is a forward-looking strategy in modern tribology that can significantly reduce friction and wear in mechanical equipment. However, it has been studied experimentally mainly for special friction pairs or point-to-surface contact. In the present work, we have achieved the ultra-low friction for point-to-point contact at the steel/steel interfaces by using the inorganic salts (NaCl and KCl) and the proton-based ionic liquid possessing a simple synthesis step and good solubility stability in aqueous 1,3-propylene glycol (PDO aq). Besides, the addition of the proton-based ionic liquid (PIL) can enhance the maximum non-seizure load (P B value) in PDO aq to 3090 N and the addition of inorganic salts don't lower the P B value. Results show: (1) The proton ionic liquid can be adsorbed on the surface of the friction pairs through electrostatic interactions, and undergo a friction chemical reaction to form a triple film that can effectively cushion the direct contact and collision of the microgrooves. (2) The addition of inorganic salts can form hydrated ions, which can shape a hydrated molecular layer to withstand high normal loads and balance the van der Waals attraction by hydration repulsion, which is a key factor in realizing the ultra-low friction. This discovery greatly expands the application of facilitated lubrication for point-to-point contact on steel surfaces in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]