Abstract: Adopting energy dissipation device into the precast concrete beam-to-column joint is an important direction in the development of precast structures. Rotational friction hinge damper (RFHD) is the critical component of the dry-connected rotational friction dissipative beam-to-column joint (DRFDBJ), which provides adjustable bending moment strength and energy dissipation capacity for the DRFDBJ. For verifying the mechanical performance of a RFHD and selecting the friction pad material suitable for the RFHD, experimental studies of 18 load cases are conducted by considering 2 types of friction materials (H62 brass and fiber reinforced resin-based material), 3 levels of pretension force of the bolt, and 3 types of loading protocols. The strength, friction coefficient and fatigue performance of the RFHD are investigated, and the stability of the friction coefficient of the two materials are specifically focused and compared. The results indicate that the RFHD could be adopted as the critical component of a DRFDBJ for providing the strength and energy dissipation capacity of the joint. By using either one of the two types of friction pads, the RFHD exhibit relatively stable strength, desirable energy dissipation capacity and deformation capacity, and the fatigue performance of the RFHD could meet the requirements of the codes. In addition, compared with H62 brass friction pad, fiber reinforced resin-based friction pad exhibit relatively more stable friction coefficient under different levels of loading rates and different levels of pretension forces of the bolt, which is conducive for the stable and adjustable strength of the RFHD, and thus achieving adjustable performance of a DRFDBJ. The research outcome will provide a basis for further investigation on the DRFDBJ and a useful reference for relative study on friction dampers.