The heat generation and transfer process of self-lubricating materials and friction materials was quantitatively described from the fundamental principle of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The effect of friction coefficient and thermal conductivity on the contact temperature of materials was studied

and the finding could guide the design of polymer composites. For the self-lubricating materials

the frictional heat generation and transfer process was assumed to be two processes in series. The frictional heat generated was the key controlling factor for stable operation of the friction system. For the friction materials

frictional heat transfer process was assumed to be heat transfer and heat distribution

two processes in parallel

and it was required to reduce thermal conductivity of the brake pads in order to lower contact surface temperature.