Large quantities of single crystalline magnesium borate nanowires of the form Mg2B2O5 with typical diameter about 120-180 nm and length about 0.2 mm have been successfully synthesized by a new and simple method of heating the mixed tablet of Mg(BO2)(2) and graphite directly in vacuum at 1200 degrees C for 1 h. The products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and selected area electron diffraction. The process of the nucleation and the growth of nanowires have been analyzed by VS mechanism. The results of the lubricating properties show that the friction coefficient of the oil is significantly decreased by the addition of Mg2B2O5 nanowires. Our results indicate that the new method we use is effective in synthesis of Mg2B2O5 nanowires and the nanowires can be used as additive to antiwear nanodevices. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.