Abstract: The copper-bismuth (CuBi)-steel-backed double-layer metal composite plates were prepared by the sintering and press-rolling composite technology, the effect of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) on the bonding strength, hardness, and tribological properties of the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates was studied. In the results, the addition of ZrP can effectively improve the anti-friction and wear resistance of the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates and enhance the load-bearing capacity. As the ZrP mass fraction increases, the bonding strength of the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates gradually decreases, and the hardness first increases and then decreases. In the constant speed and load test, compared with the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates without ZrP, the addition of 2% and 4% ZrP by mass can effectively improve the friction and wear resistance of the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates, reduce the friction coefficient of the friction pair, and rise the surface temperature. In the constant-speed variable-load test, the addition of ZrP can significantly improve the frictional bearing capacity of the CuBi-steel-backed double-layer materials. Under the condition of end face oil circulation, the limit PV value (friction pair contact surface pressure × friction linear velocity) of the CuBi-steel-backed composite plates by adding ZrP with the mass fraction 4% reaches 14 MPa∙m∙s^‒1, which is about 75% higher than that without ZrP (8 MPa∙m∙s^‒1).