Design/methodology/approach A pulsed bipolar power supply was used as power supply to prepare the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on 6061 aluminum sample. Then a graphene oxide-polyvinyl alcohol (GO–PVA) composite coating was prepared on MAO coating for subsequent experiments. Samples were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The friction test is carried out by the relative movement of the copper ball and the aluminum disk on the friction tester. Findings Results showed that the friction coefficient of MAO samples was reduced by 80% after treated with GO–PVA composite film. Originality/value This research has made a certain contribution to the surface hardness and tribological issues involved in the lightweight design of aluminum alloys. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0427/