The continuous speed raise of high-speed trains in China puts forward higher requirements for the performance of brake pad materials.Copper based friction materials has high specific stiffness,high specific strength,excellent high-temperature performance and good friction and wear performance,therefore it is considered to be the most promising brake pad material.The development of brake pad materials for high-speed trains was introduced,the composition,preparation methods and development of copper based friction materials were discussed,and the research status of friction and wear properties of copper based friction materials was described.The development trend of copper based friction materials was prospected.It provides a reference for the development of high performance copper based friction materials.