Transfer-Film Stabilization by Reaction-Assisted GO/CNT/ZDMA/SiO2 Filler Networks in High-Temperature Rubber–Metal Sliding Contacts

High-temperature rubber–metal sliding in internal mixers involves filler-network evolution, third-body generation and transfer-film formation. In this work, a reaction-assisted GO/CNT/ZDMA/SiO2 network was constructed through in situ formation of zinc dimethacrylate from ZnO/methacrylic acid, TESPT-mediated silanization of silica, and GO/CNT sheet-tube hybrid architecture. The key scientific contribution is the separation of mean friction from metal-wear suppression: the best wear resistance was obtained when the network maintained a continuous rubber/carbon-rich transfer film, not when the mean friction coefficient was lowest. At 3 phr GO with 3 phr CNT (C4), filler dispersion was more uniform, hard agglomerate release was suppressed, and metal wear volume reached 1.63 × 106 μm3 with a volume-loss rate of 8.92%. Excessive GO promoted stacking and secondary agglomeration, increasing third-body supply, transfer-film rupture and metal exposure. Because no inert-atmosphere, pH, XPS, Raman, electrochemical or residue-concentration tests were performed, chemical assistance is treated as a possible secondary contribution after film rupture rather than as a proven independent mechanism. The results identify transfer-film continuity and friction fluctuation as practical screening indicators for reactive rubber–metal contacts.