Citric acid‐synthesised Eu‐doped WO3 (WO3:Eu3+) and Mn3B7O13Cl nanoparticles were characterised by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The tribological properties of the Eu doped WO3 and Mn3B7O13Cl prepared as anti‐wear additives for enhanced lubrication were studied using a four‐ball tester. The experiment results indicated that Eu doped WO3 nanoparticle reinforce Mn3B7O13Cl has excellent load‐carrying capacity, wear‐resistance and friction‐reducing properties in water‐based lubricant, optimum concentration of WO3:Eu3+‐Mn3B7O13Cl was 0.5 wt%. The wear scar diameter decreased from 0.62 to 0.37 mm and the coefficient of friction was reduced from 0.083 to 0.065, which reductions are attributed to the nanotribofilms composed of B2O3, WO3, Fe2O3 and Eu2O, which prevented direct contact between metals. Hot rolling experiments of laminated Cu‐Fe composite sheet were carried out to study the effect of nano‐WO3:Eu3+‐Mn3B7O13Cl on surface qualities including topography of rolled strips. Results show that the surface topography becomes smooth with the addition of nanoparticles into water‐based lubricant, which is mainly attributed to the nanoparticles increase the viscosity of water‐based lubricant and the oil film to avoid the direct contact tribopair during hot rolling, thus reducing the friction coefficient and roll wear.