Abstract: Adhesive wear and thermal ablation of copper-based friction plate easily occur under utmost conditions. The friction plates made of copper alloy-Cr-graphite-CeF₃ composites are prepared. The influences of Cr, nickel-clad graphite and CeF₃ on performances were researched by testing friction coefficient, impacting coefficient, wear rate and heat resistant coefficient under high load and speed conditions. The results show that appropriate content of Cr improves the hardness and strength of composites by dispersion strengthening and refined crystalline strengthening. The additions of nickel-clad graphite and CeF₃ improve the lubricating properties and wear resistance of the composites simultaneously by uniformly distributing on the friction surface. Meanwhile, nickel-clad graphite and CeF₃ improve the carry capacity of friction plates under heavy load and high speed conditions by improving heat resistant coefficient of composites. However, the excess Cr, nickel-clad graphite and CeF₃ are harmful to mechanical properties and wear resistance. After optimizing the contents of Cr, nickel-clad graphite and CeF₃, the friction plate possesses good mechanical properties, tribological performance and heat resistance, which improve the tribological performance and heat resistance of friction plates.