Sunflower oil ethoxylates were dissolved in H2O (10-90%) and studied for lubricating properties in 4-ball tester. Friction coeff. and wear scar diam. at const. load (2 kN) were detd. The addn. of the ethoxylates resulted in an improvement of lubricating properties of water. The aq. solns. showed quite as good tribol. properties as a corn. paraffinic oil used for comparison.