Targeted material design of flyash filled composites for friction braking application by non-linear regression optimization technique

► Targeted material design (TMD) of friction materials is attempted following combinatorial engineering approach. ► Non-linear regression optimization (NLR-OPT) technique was applied to performance defining attributes. ► Two alternate design ideologies were realized by using raw flyash and cenospheres as major ingredients. ► Study has successfully demonstrated the conceptual viability of targeted material design of heterogeneous composites with multiple performance goals.