Abstract: As the important components of security devices in transport machinery, the brake friction materials realize the brake and speed reduction by frictional resistance produced by surface contact. The research status, advantages, and disadvantages of brake friction materials were summarized in this paper, including semimetal-based, metal-based, and non-metallic-based brake friction materials. The preparation methods of brake friction materials were introduced as melting-casting method, powder metallurgy method, and three dimensional weave method. The key characteristics of brake friction materials were analyzed, such as friction, wear, and thermal stability. The development tendency of friction materials is fiberless, high-powered, and environmental. Optimizing the preparation process, reducing the production cost, improving the performance, and expanding the application field of brake friction materials will be the research focus in the future.