An ultra-low density and mechanically robust ANFs/MXene/UiO-66-NH2 aerogel for enhancing thermal conductivity and tribological properties of epoxy resins

Despite epoxy composites being used in a wide range of applications, it remains a great challenge to solve the defect of high brittleness and poor wear resistance for real engineering applications. Nanomaterials enhance fracture toughness and provide superior antifriction and wear resistance for epoxy matrix materials. In this work, a late-model ANFs/MXene/UiO-66-NH 2 hybrid aerogel (AMU) with 3D layered and “mortar-brick” multi-hole structure was devised via solution impregnation and hydrothermal in situ growth processes. MXene and UiO-66-NH 2 were uniformly anchored to the surface of the ANFs aerogel backbone due to hydrogen bonding forces and electrostatic adsorption. The acquired AMU-EP composites exhibited excellent thermal conductivity owing to an efficient three-dimensional network of thermal conductive pathways inside the epoxy matrix. Moreover, the efficient synergistic effect of AMU components formed a high-quality transfer film on the surface of steel balls during the friction process, which was important for enhancing the tribological properties of AMU-EP.