A Novel Lubrication Strategy for Constructing Epoxy Resin Composites Based on Three-Dimensional Web Support Structure of RGO-CNTs Fibers

A novel strategy was proposed for preparing reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes hybrid fibers (RGCF) through self-curling process, aiming to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy resin (EP) as fillers through its unique three-dimensional fiber web structure. The lightweight RGCF showed good stability, maintaining integrity under ultrasonic conditions and withstanding compressive stresses three times higher than reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube sheets (RGCS). Compared to pure EP, the RGCF-reinforced EP (RGCF-EP) exhibited increased hardness (264.76 MPa) and elastic modulus (4.91 GPa), along with superior friction reduction and wear resistance properties, achieving a coefficient of friction below 0.1 and a wear rate of approximately 10⁻⁵ mm³/(N·m). The composite filler combined the good lubrication of graphene sheets with the high strength of carbon fibers, enhancing the sustainability and applicability of EP composites in high-performance tribological applications.