Abstract: Additives useful for reducing the coefficient of friction in lubricants, greases, or cosmetic formulations, and useful as a substitute for talc and as an anti-misting material are obtained by subjecting a raw plant material, such as cotton, to a dosage of radiation from an electron beam source. The irradiated plant material is subsequently fragmented, or micronized, to product the friction-reducing additive with a reduced diameter capable of reducing the coefficient of friction, used for anti-misting or as a substitute for talc in a variety of applications.