In this article, the relationship of complexity, diversity, and uncertainty between components and tribological properties of friction materials based on a Monte Carlo-based artificial neural network (MC-ANN) model was predicted precisely. Meanwhile, the grey relational analysis was applied to figure out weight of factors, optimize formulation design, and calculate nonlinear dependency of ingredients. The accuracy of model was studied by comparing experimental and simulated values on the basis of statistical methods (root-mean-squared error). It was found that the model exhibited an excellent performance in predicting and fitting effect. Moreover, comprehensive analysis of weight indicated that nano-SiO2 and mica exerted a significant role in improving the friction stability and wear resistance. According to different contents of each ingredient, the corresponding friction coefficient and specific wear rate could be obtained by virtue of a well-trained MC-ANN model without experiments, which saved a lot of time and money. It can be expected that the results of this work will extend the current research and pave a route for further in-depth studies of friction materials. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47157.