The structure and mechanical properties of gray cast iron with a copper content of from 0.08 to 14.7 wt. % is investigated. Inclusions of ε-copper ranging from 20 nm to 240 microns are formed in the structure with an content of Cu and 0,9 % Al 14,7 % Cu. Increasing a copper content in iron results in increasing the microhardness of pearlite and reducing the coefficient of friction