Tribological behavior investigation of Ficus Carica oil blended ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer on AISI 52100 steel using four-ball tribometer

Lubrication has remained a source of concern in industries owing to its role in reducing excessive friction and wear during machine operation. In line with global sustainability development goals, bio-materials are regarded as substitutes to fossil lubricants due to their environmentally friendly nature. In this present research, the Ficus Carica oil (Fig oil) with Ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer additive were characterized in terms of functional properties and tribological strength. The base Fig oil was produced, characterized using chromatography, FT-IR along with the selected polymer additive for their compatibility, and also conducted tribological test using four ball tester. The result shows the presence of functional groups of OH/N-H, C-H, C=O, CH3, C-O, CH2 for Fig oil and inclusion of co-polymer, with a slight shift in band formation, describing excellent compatibility. Under 1.5 % EVA, the coefficient of friction was reduced with EVA polymer by 9.1% and 17% for 40 kg and 100 kg. However, for 75 degrees C under 40 kg and 80 kg, the wear scar diameter was reduced by 33% and 14% under 1200 rpm when compared to base Fig oil. With these features from Fig oil incorporated co-polymer, good tribological performance will be achieved, leading to a reduction in patronage of fossil oil products in lubricant usage.