By hot pressing method at a temperature of 2000–2140 °C and under a pressure of 22–39 MPa samples of tubular shape are obtained from boron carbide and boron carbide based composite powders. The tribological characteristics of 11B-enriched boron carbide 11B4C and boron carbide–zirconium diboride composite 11B4C–Zr11B2 ceramics were determined on friction machine. Samples X-ray spectroscopy and optical and electronic microscopy examinations were performed. The 11B4C–Zr11B2 ceramics reveal a low friction coefficient at load pressure of 0.10 MPa and rotation speed of 1000–1500 rpm. One of the obtained composite shows high wear resistance and low friction coefficient of 0.13 under long-term test conditions (at covered distance of 30 km) at load pressure of 0.10 MPa and rotation speed of 25,000 rpm. Same composition was also distinguished for its high load resistance of 0.15 MPa in combination with the best friction coefficient of 0.11 at 1500 rpm. Display omitted •Boron carbide–zirconium diboride composites enriched in 11B isotope are hot-pressed from micropowders.•Obtained material reveals the improved tribological characteristics such as friction coefficient and wear intensity.•11B4C–Zr11B2 compositions have a potential to be used as dry friction units in nuclear technology.