<p>Ball burnishing is a mechanical surface treatment process particularly effective for enhancing surface quality and mechanical properties of materials. This study investigates the influence of burnishing parameters on surface topography, wettability, and friction and wear behavior. Surface roughness parameters considered include Sa, Sz, Sdr and MDF, as well as volumetric parameters Vmp, Vmc, and Vvv. Wettability was assessed through contact angle measurements (φl), while tribological performance was evaluated via the coefficient of friction (Cof) and wear rate (Ws). Results show that burnishing significantly modifies surface morphology by reducing asperities and optimizing functional roughness parameters. A strong correlation is observed between wettability and frictional behavior. Surfaces with moderate roughness and sufficiently deep valleys enhance lubricant retention via capillary effects, leading to reduced contact angles, lower Cof, and improved wear resistance. An optimal burnishing window was identified for an applied load of 20 kgf and four passes (i = 4), providing the best compromise between surface topography structuring, lubricant retention, and tribological performance. Analysis of worn surfaces indicates predominantly abrasive wear mechanisms, whereas polished surfaces exhibit more severe abrasive wear accompanied by superficial delamination. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing burnishing parameters to achieve functional surfaces with controlled wettability, resulting in significant improvements in friction behavior and wear resistance.</p>