In this paper, CuZn-Graphite-Y₂O₃ composites were prepared using powder metallurgy techniques, and the effect of Y₂O₃ content on their tribological behavior was investigated. The CuZn-Graphite-1.0   wt.%Y₂O₃ composite (YP3) exhibited optimal friction reduction and wear resistance through the synergy between graphite and Y₂O₃, achieving a volumetric wear rate of 3.61×10 -6 mm 3/(N·m) and an average coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.131. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that varying Y₂O₃ content nonlinearly influenced the evolution of carbon structures at the friction interface. Grain refinement and dislocation pinning synergistically strengthened YP3, improving wear resistance via enhanced hardness (87.03 HV) and fracture toughness (2.273 MPa⋅m" role="presentation"> MPa ⋅ m ). Y₂O₃ improved lubricating film continuity by modifying graphite interfacial properties, effectively separating friction counterparts during sliding.