Metal-azolate framework-6 (MAF-6) was synthetized by using a template method. The tribological properties of MAF-6 as an additive in cottonseed oil were evaluated with a SRV-V high frequency linear reciprocating tester. The lubrication mechanism was estimated through analysis of the worn surface with 3D optical profiler,scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The results show that MAF-6 as an additive can effectively improve the anti-wear property of cottonseed oil. The best anti-wear performance is at the mass concentration of 0. 50%. The anti-wear effect of MAF-6 is more significant at high frequency and high load. The anti-wear performance of cottonseed oil can be improved more than 30% under the optimum concentration of MAF-6. EDS element analysis of the worn surface shows that the characteristic elements of MAF-6 are transferred to the surface of the friction pairs,which indicates that the good anti-wear property of MAF-6 is mainly related to its flexible crystal structure and physical adsorption film formed on the surface of the friction pairs.