Composites of nanometer-sized silica (SiO2) filler incorporated in nylon-6 polymer were prepared by compression molding. Their friction and wear properties were investigated on a pin on disk tribometer by running a flat pin of steel against a composite disc. The morphologies of the composites as well as of the wear track were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of 2 wt % SiO2 resulted in a friction reduction (mu) from 0.5 to 0.18 when compared with neat nylon-6. This low silica loading led to a reduction in wear rate by a factor of 140, whereas the influence of higher silica loadings was less pronounced. The smooth morphology obtained after the wear test indicated the negligible contribution to friction of the pin to the nanocomposite. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.