An ultrafine (similar to 100 nm) W particle-reinforced Cu matrix composite was fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The tribological properties of the fabricated W/Cu composite were tested by pin-on-disc sliding experiments and compared with those of brass alloy. The wear rate of the carbon brush when sliding against the W/Cu composite (0.102mm(3) s(-1)) was much lower than that with brass (4.83mm(3) s(-1)). Simultaneously, the W/Cu composite possessed higher conductivities and greater surface hardness than brass. The surface roughness of the W/Cu composite was found to play a critical role in improving the robustness of the tribofilm and reducing the volume loss of the carbon brush. The W/Cu composite has promising engineering applications for the long-term wear protection of self-lubricating materials.