Abstract: Ceramic matrix composites and fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite components of brake systems and other friction tolerant composite articles of this invention are made by providing a fiber preform, coating the fibers with an interface layer of carbon or ceramic, infiltrating the coated fiber preform with a composition comprising a liquid ceramic forming polymer including friction controlling additives, and pyrolyzing the polymer in the infiltrated preform to form a ceramic matrix around the fibers of the preform.