Before the 1970s, the traditional asbestos friction materials occupied a leading position in the field of friction materials because of their low price and good heat resistance. However, due to its poor heat recession resistance and strong cancer risk, many countries began to prohibit the use of asbestos products after the 1970s. China has issued a ban on the development of asbestos brake pads since 2003. The development of modern society requires that friction materials should have sufficient and stable friction coefficient, certain high-temperature mechanical strength, good wear resistance, no noise, low cost and no pollution to the environment. However, the formulation of friction materials is still strictly confidential for all research units.

The research of modern friction materials is developing towards the high-end direction, and the research of friction materials with ceramic fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber and other reinforced materials is also gradually carried out.