Abstract: A friction material composition is described which is suitable for a wide variety of railroad brake services, particularly AAR (Association of American Railroads) service. In other embodiments the composition may also be used for heavy duty service, such as on locomotives, or as a disc brake material. The composition comprises, in percent by volume:______________________________________ organic component 30-60% steel fibers 1-12% carbonaceous component 5-30% inorganic fillers 5-35% additives 1-7% ______________________________________The composition may also contain up to 15 volume percent of friction modifiers an/or up to 20 volume percent of cashew nut shell resin particles. In addition, it contains no lead metal or lead compounds and no asbestos fiber.