Abstract: The tribological properties of cast iron under dry sliding condition were systematically investigated with a pin on disc test rig. The influence of graphite morphology, alloying element incorporation, and the matrix microstructure on the tribological peoperties of cast irons in dry sliding against 40Cr steel was focused on. The microstructure of the cast iron matrix was observed with an optical microscope. As the results, the compacted graphite cast iron shows good comprehensive friction and wear behavior, and the wear resistance of the cast iron is effectively increased by incorporation of alloying elements P and B. Moreover, the friction and wear behavior of the cast iron is also highly dependent on the matrix microstructure. The compacted graphite cast iron would be suitable to be used for preparation of braking components, because it had the best wear resistance and most stable high friction coefficients among the cast iron specimens tested.