γ-Graphyne (GY) is a promising nanofiller to enhance epoxy's tribological properties, yet its inert surface and structural instability hinder interfacial bonding. We strategically welded graphene quantum dots (GQDs) onto a three-dimensional GY (3DGY) framework using hydrothermal method, followed by epoxy resin impregnation. The resulting 3DGY/GQDs hybrid shows uniform GQDs loading and a 23.8% lower contact angle with epoxy, confirming improved wettability. At 0.5 wt% loading, the composite exhibits a 31.6 °C higher glass transition temperature, 39.6% greater tensile strength, and 53.2% and 93.2% reductions in friction coefficient and wear rate, respectively. Compared with existing carbon related materials (such as graphene-, MXene-, and carbon-dots-)/epoxy resin systems, this study innovatively combines three-dimensional skeleton reinforcement with defect filling of quantum dots, providing a new strategy for high-performance friction epoxy composite materials.
Min et al. (Sun,) studied this question.