Abstract: As a key component of wind turbine, brake system plays an important role in the safe operation and power generation efficiency of wind turbine. The brake reliability and service life of high performance wind turbine brake system has become a key research topic. The design key points of brake pad are described from the aspects of material composition, service condition and friction and wear performance of wind power brake system. The research progress in the evaluation of brake temperature and stability by the combination of test and finite element simulation is summarized, and the development trend of brake pad materials for wind turbines is prospected.