In earlier friction composites, higher thermal conductive copper and copper-based alloys were the main functional fillers to regulate stable friction performance and wear characteristics. Three friction composites are developed with identical base composition and varying hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) content from 0, 4 and 8 wt% and barite content from 35 to 27 wt%, i.e., BN0, BN1, and BN2, respectively. Composites are evaluated for physical properties as per Indian standards and performance characteristics using a pin on disc tribometer. The addition of h-BN enhances all the measured physical properties and also give stable friction performance. The thermal conductivity of friction composites is measured using a guarded hot plate apparatus. The inclusion of h-BN improves thermal conductivity from 0.86 W/mK to 1.40 W/mK. Surface analysis of worn surface is carried out using scanning electron micros-copy. h-BN can become a potential functional filler in the case of modern eco-friendly copper-free brake friction composites.