To enhance the friction properties of Cu-based friction materials and study the friction properties of Cu-based friction materials with nanometer particles, the Cu-based friction materials enhanced with nano-AlN (n-AlN) and nano-graphite (n-C) were prepared by powder metallurgy technology, respectively. The effects of nanometer particles on the frictional wear and heat-resistant characteristics of Cu-based friction materials were researched. Then, the microstructures and friction performance were analyzed through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and a friction tester, respectively. The results indicate that the friction coefficients of friction materials with n-AlN and n-C are higher and stable as comparied with that of the friction materials without any nanometer materials, the wear resistances have been improved by 25 % and 11 %, respectively. The heat resistances of the materials with n-AlN and n-C have been improved by 18 % and 25 %, respectively. The n-AlN and n-C particles can reduce the abrasive wear and enhance the wear resistances of the Cu-based friction materials. The results demonstrate that the n-AlN and n-C particles can enhance the properties of Cu-based friction materials remarkably.