The addition of microspheres of barium titanate glass to conventional friction compositions for molding automotive and other brake elements and similar friction elements, results in substantial new and unexpected improvements with respect to the production of and processing of uniform, homogeneous molding compositions for forming the present friction elements. The formed friction pads, disks etc., have unexpectedly improved performance properties such as heat dissipation properties leading to improved, reduced wear over prolonged periods of use. The BaTiO.sub.3 microspheres have an average diameter up to about 70.mu., most preferably between about, 10-35.mu.