Abstract: ZrO₂ ceramic particles reinforced iron-based powder metallurgy friction material was prepared by powder metallurgy technology, the effects of ZrO₂ content on the friction and wear properties of iron-based powder metallurgy materials were studied, and the optimal addition content of ZrO₂ ceramic particle was obtained.The results show that when the ZrO₂ content is 7wt%-9wt%, the density and hardness of iron based powder metallurgy materials reaches the highest value, the density is 5.74 g·cm^-3, the hardness is 92 HRF.When the friction conditions of the inertia is 1.0 kg·m^-2, the pressure is 1.5 kN and the speed is 2000 r/min, the friction and wear properties is the optimal, the average friction coefficient is 0.34, the wear quantity is 0.014 cm³·MJ^-1, the friction surface is flat and smooth.