The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of biomass composition (i.e. palm frond (PF) and rice husk (RH)) on the mechanical properties of composite-based brake pad (CBP). CBP was made by mixing polyester resin matrix with PF and RH (as the reinforcing agent) using a step-growth mechanism reaction with additional methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) as a catalyst. CBP was made by mixing polyester resin and catalyst with a ratio of 10:1 with PF and RH. The PF and RH were added with a ratio of 10/90; 30/70; 50/50; 70/30; and 90/10. To support the analysis, mechanical tests such as compressive and friction tests were carried out. The experimental results showed that the RH composition allowed the obtainment of a strong composite-based brake pad and a low wear value since RH has a high component of lignocellulose. Although PF also strengthened the brake pad, the mechanical impact is not higher than RH. The high lignocellulose content in the RH made the optimal quality of composite-based brake pad-based. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the use of biomass as an alternative reinforcing agent in the composite-based brake pad material.