PURPOSE: To provide a friction material of high performance including corrosion- proof ability, useful for motor vehicles, comprising a steel wool as the main base with its surface Ni- or Ni- plus Zn-plated beforehand, a binder consisting of thermosetting resin, and a filler.

CONSTITUTION: The objective friction material can be obtained by incorporating (A) 20W70wt% of a steel wool with its surface Ni- or Ni- plus Zn-plated to a thickness 0.5W5.0μ (pref. with a diameter 0.02W0.1mm and a length ≥2mm) with (B) a binder consisting of thermosetting resin, and (C) at least one sort of filler. In the case of Ni- plus Zn-plating, a Ni-plating followed by Zn-plating will be more effective.

EFFECT: Free from fastening with rust on the iron disc, etc., which could lead to failing in vehicle starting.