Abstract In search of opportunities to improve mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, composites based on aluminum reinforced with MoS 2 particles were produced. The authors’ previous research indicated the possibility of obtaining hard dispersion precipitates of the Al 12Mo intermetallic phase as a result of the reaction of the composite components at a temperature exceeding 550 °C during the SPS (Spark Plasma Sintering) process. This work focused on optimizing the SPS consolidation process and assessing the microstructure and mechanical properties of the obtained materials. A series of experiments proved that by increasing the amount of the strengthening phase and increasing the process temperature, a significant amount of Al 12Mo and Al 5Mo strengthening phases is produced. Exceptionally good dispersion of reinforcing particles and the presence of layered MoS 2 crystals, while ensuring optimal parameters of the synthesis process, lead to a change in friction mechanisms and improved abrasion resistance through an approximately 30-fold decrease in the wear factor. Keywords: aluminum; composites; molybdenum disulfide; spark plasma sintering; tribological properties