Hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric was surface-modified by air plasma to improve the adhesion to phenolic resin. The tribological properties of fabric composite with or without plasma-treated hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric were investigated in detail. Friction and wear tests showed that friction-reducing and antiwear ability of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composite were remarkably improved after plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the fiber surfaces were etched and the contents of oxygen and nitrogen increased after plasma treatment, which was favorable for improved fiber/resin bonding strength. The enhancement contributed to the improved tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composite after plasma treatment. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3980-3986, 2009