Molecular dynamics simulation of the tribological performance of amorphous/amorphous nano-laminates

•The contribution of adhesion coefficient and ploughing coefficient to the total friction coefficient is clearly quantified by comparing the simulation results of virtual indenter and diamond indenter.•Through atomic visualization analysis, the blocking effect of interface on shear deformation during nano-scratch can be observed directly.•There is an obvious size dependence between friction force and layer thickness of amorphous/amorphous nano-laminates.•It's not that the deeper the penetration depth, the greater the normal force in amorphous/amorphous nano-laminates.