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The present study developed two Cu-free brake materials using carbon fiber or carbon nanotube as the replacements for copper fiber and evaluated their tribology performance, particle emissions and brake squeal noise. Results show that the coefficients of friction (COFs) of the Cu-free brake materials are lower than that of Cu-containing brake material at the braking conditions with low and medium loads. At the high load braking condition, all the braking materials exhibit comparable COFs. Cu-free brake materials present larger specific wear rates than the Cu-containing brake material. However, the application of carbon fiber can reduce the particle number emission. All brake materials exhibit comparable brake squeal noise. • Cu-free brake materials exhibit larger specific wear rates than Cu-containing brake materials. • Particles from Cu-free brake materials are larger than those from Cu-containing brake materials. • CABM produces the fewest airborne particles. • All brake materials generate comparable brake squeal noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]