A novel nanomaterial reduced graphene oxide-Al2O3 nanocomposite (rGO-Al2O3) was synthesized through the hydrothermal method. The nanofluid containing rGO-Al2O3 nanocomposite was prepared as lubricant and exhibited superior dispersion stability. To clarify the lubrication mechanism of rGO-Al2O3 nanofluid, tribological tests and cold rolling lubrication experiments were conducted using the four-ball tribometer and two-high rolling mill. The results indicated that excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing properties as well as desired strip surface topography could be obtained under the lubrication of 0.20 wt% rGO-Al2O3 nanofluid. Induced by the interfacial tribochemical reaction, a bilayer lubrication film composed of adsorption film and reaction layer was formed at the friction interface. Through theoretical calculation and experimental characterizations, the thickness of lubrication film was about 25 nm. The adsorption film, dominated by nano-Al2O3 and graphene oxide fragments, played a vital role in synergistic lubrication. Meanwhile the reaction layer contained iron oxides (primarily Fe2O3 and FeO) with high mechanical properties. This bilayer structure ensured the denseness and continuity of the lubrication film, thus achieving significant lubrication performance. Display omitted