Design/methodology/approach This paper used a method of incorporating graphite particles and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles into manganese-based phosphating solution to prepare composite phosphating coatings applied on cylindrical thrust roller bearings (CTRBs). Findings The results are as follows: the inclusion of functionalized graphite particles affects the characterization of the composite phosphating coatings, whereas PTFE particles serve a physical filling role and have no influence on the surface features of the composite phosphating coatings. The surface roughness of the composite phosphating coatings is the main factor affecting the frictional behavior of phosphated CRTBs. Roughness affects the amount of PTFE particles adsorbed on the surface of the phosphate crystals. PTFE particles can form a solid lubricating film at the friction interface, and under the same surface roughness conditions, phosphated CTRBs with added PTFE particles can improve its friction performance. Originality/value The characterization parameters of the composite phosphating coatings were controlled by adding functionalized graphite particles to the phosphating solution. The effects of adding only graphite particles and adding both graphite particles and PTFE particles on the surface characteristics of the phosphating coatings were discussed separately. The tribological performance of phosphating CTRBs was analyzed through friction and wear testing, and the influence of surface characteristics on wear mechanisms and anti-wear mechanisms was discussed. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0405/