Investigation of the thermal and tribological properties of epoxy composite reinforced with aramid nanofiber/OMMT hybrid aerogel

•Aramid nanofiber/OMMT (AAM) hybrid aerogel with hierarchical framework was fabricated through freeze-drying process.•The thermal conduction pathway established by the AAM aerogel within the EP matrix.•Aramid nanofiber/OMMT-EP composites exhibited excellent thermal and tribology performances.•The synergistic reinforcing effects of ANFs and OMMT for EP matrix was discussed and highlighted.