Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors have been studied, developed and utilized by researchers and companies all over the world. Ultrasonic motors (USM) produce rotational motion based on traveling waves made by the resonant vibrations of piezoceramic. These motors have been recently developed and utilized in practical applications. The dynamic properties and life of piezoelectric ultrasonic motors are strongly related to the frictional material Fused on the sliding surface. In this study, effects of frictional material properties on the performances of piezoelectric ultrasonic motors are investigated. It was possible to improve the torque of a traveling wave type ultrasonic motor by stator's coating. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.