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With the development of energy-saving industries, the tribology and thermal management of composites were increasingly urgent. Here, we explored the dual-network graphene/epoxy composites with enhanced tribological and thermal management. The 3D graphene was prepared using calcium ions as the crosslinker and melamine foam as template. Subsequently, the reinforced concrete-like composites were obtained by dipping in silica-filled epoxy. The research results show that the thermal conductivity of the composites was enhanced by 1015.52% compared to the silica-filled epoxy. Simultaneously, the friction coefficient of the composites was reduced to 0.29 with the wear rate be reduced to 0.19 × 10−5 mm3/N∙m under the condition of 5 N and 2 cm/s. This dual-network model provides a new strategy for the development of solid lubricating materials with excellent thermal management. • The 3D graphene was prepared by template method, using Ca2+ as the crosslinking agent. • The dual-network graphene/epoxy composites were obtained by dipping method. • The thermal conductivity was up to 1.54 W/m∙k with the estimated GMF mass fraction 3.10 wt% • The friction coefficient was reduced to 0.31, with the wear rate was reduced by 97.25%. • Confirmed the key role of thermal conductivity in improving the tribological properties of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor interfacial compatibility between functional fillers and matrix greatly restricts development of polymer composites. Therefore, in the present paper, carbon fibers (CFs) were modified by biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) and amino silane (KH550) to improve interfacial bonding strength with epoxy (EP) substrate. The grafting of PDA and KH550 was divided into "PDA", "PDA-KH550" and "(PDA + KH550)" methods for regulating interfacial compatibility and exploring the reaction mechanism. Improved interfacial strength was beneficial to transfer stress from the matrix to fillers. Consequently, mechanical properties of modified CF/EP were obviously superior to those of unmodified EP/CF. Besides, wear resistance of EP/CF-(PDA + KH550) had an increase of 76%, 67%, 60% and 49% compared to that of EP, CF/EP, CF-PDA/EP and EP/CF-PDA-KH550. Image 1 • PDA and KH550 were used to regulate interfacial compatibility of CF and EP. • The different reaction mechanisms of PDA and KH550 were explored. • The tribological mechanism of modified CF/EP were systematically analyzed. • "CF-(PDA + KH550)" method significantly improved simultaneously the mechanical properties and wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]