The reinforcement mechanism of modified sepiolite (Sepiolite-MgSiO 3 -CaCO 3 ) in copper-based composites under dual-path loading conditions was investigated. Results demonstrate that the composite exhibits optimal comprehensive performance at 20 % sepiolite content, with relatively moderate degradation in mechanical and thermal properties. In sliding friction tests, each 10 % increase in sepiolite content raises the friction coefficient by 4.1 %, 2.9 %, and 5.7 %, respectively, while also accelerating wear, as evidenced by expanded wear tracks...
