Importance of tribolayer on the dry sliding friction and wear behavior of friction stir processed AA6082/SiCp composite at different load conditions (5 N, 10 N, and 15 N) are investigated. Fabricated AA6082/SiCp composite is characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Vicker's microhardness tester. Friction and wear behavior of AA6082/SiCp composite has been analyzed using pin on disc apparatus. Influence of tribolayer is studied with the aid of SEM and EDS. Similarly, various wear mechanisms subjected to the dry sliding of AA6082/SiCp composite against the EN-31 steel disc at different loading conditions are detailed. Increase in the load condition influenced the elemental composition, adherence, and removal of the tribolayer. Elemental composition of tribolayer played a crucial role in decreasing the CoF and wear rate of AA6082/SiCp composite at 5 N and 10 N load conditions. © 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd.