Abstract: Al: WS₂ films were prepared by magnetron sputtering technology. In order to investigate the response mechanism of the tribological properties of Al: WS₂ film under different ambient thermal shock, the thermal shock tests of -100~+250℃ in vacuum, nitrogen and oxygen were carried out using the temperature altering vacuum tribometer developed by us, and the structure, composition and tribological properties of Al: WS₂ films after thermal shock were mainly studied. It was found that the columnar crystal of Al: WS₂ film grows, S content decreases, part of WS₂ is oxidized to WO₃, and the hardness of film increases after thermal shock. Thermal shock under vacuum and oxygen deteriorates the tribological performance of Al: WS₂ films. However, after thermal shock under nitrogen atmosphere, WO₃ appears on the surface of Al: WS₂ film and was incorporated into the crystal structure, leading to the increase of size of interlayer and the decrease of friction coefficient. Due to the obstruction of a layer of WO₃ generated on the surface, the wear life of Al: WS₂ film increases. Therefore, thermal shock under nitrogen can improve the tribological performance of Al: WS₂ film.