Tribological Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Uncaria Gambir Extract Composite as Potential Green Protective Film

Abstract

Polyvinyl Alcohol/Uncaria Gambir Extract (PVA/UG) composite provides good UV light protection and antibacterial, tensile, and thermal properties. To continue our previous research, the tribological properties of PVA, PVA/BA, PVA/UG, and PVA/UG with heat treatment (PVA/UGt) were conducted. The ball-on-disk test results show COF reduced by 42% in PVA/UG compared to PVA. It was proved that heating the PVA/UG significantly improves the tribological properties of the PVA composite, resulting lowest COF (0.08) and wear area (390 µm2). Additionally, incorporating UG also increases the hardness of the PVA composite by up to 73% and. These results corroborate the application of this composite as a potential green protective film.