Abstract: Five kinds of paper-based friction materials with different phenolic fiber (PF) contents were prepared using paper-making process,and the effect of PF content on performance of the material was studied. The shear strength and compressure-resilience capability of the samples were measured by an electronic universal testing machine. The thermal properties and friction performance were severally tested using a thermal analyzer and a wet friction performance tester. The microstructure and morphology of the shear fracture surfaces and worn surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that with the increasing PF content,the shear strength increased gradually. The PF content had little effect on compressibility; however,the resilience rate first rose and then declined as the PF content increased. The thermal resistance and the wear rate decreased while the friction coefficient remained stable with the increasing PF content.