Abstract: The relation between the friction and wear properties and microstructure of three kinds of special brass with different composition was studied by electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and friction and wear testing. The results show that the wear mechanism of special brass was closely related to the matrix phase. The wear mechanism of the special brass with β+α phase was mainly adhesive wear, and that of the special brass with single β phase was mainly abrasive wear. The matrix structure had a greater influence on the friction and wear properties of the special brass. The wear rate of the special brass with β+α phase was obviously smaller than that with single β phase. The wear resistance of special brass containing Fe₃Al hard phase was better than that containing Mn₅Si₃ hard phase when the matrix structure was composed of single β phase.