Friction welding of $Al_2O_3$ particulate reinforced aluminum composites was performed and the following conclusions were drawn from the study of interfacial bonding characteristics and the relationship between experimental parameters of friction welding and interfacial bond strength. Highest bonded joint efficiency (HBJE) approaching $100\%$ was obtained from the post-brake timing, indicating that the bonding strength of the joint is close to that of the base material. For the pre-brake timing, HBJE was $65\%$. Most region of the bonded interface obtained from post-brake timing exhibited similar microstructure with the matrix or with very thin, fine-grained $Al_2O_3$ layer. This was attributed to the fact that the fine-grained $Al_2O_3$ layer forming at the bonding interface was drawn out circumferentially in this process. Joint efficiency of post-brake timing was always higher than that of pre-brake timing regardless of rotation speed employed. In order to guarantee the performance of friction welded joint similar to the efficiency of matrix, it is necessary to push out the fine-grained $Al_2O_3$ layer forming at the bonding interface circumferentially. As a result, microstructure of the bonded joint similar to that of the matrix with very thin, fine-grained $Al_2O_3$ layer can be obtained.