This paper summarizes the structural characterization of borassus fruit fibers by means of various characterization techniques, optimization of alkali treatment of borassus fruit fine fibers (BFF) with a 5% concentration sodium hydroxide solution for different time intervals (1, 4, 8 and 12 h) and the changes occurring in borassus fibers. This paper also discusses the manufacturing of BFF/PP compotes using MAPP as a compatibilizer in addition to alkali treatment. Composites were evaluated for their mechanical and morphological properties. The tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus and impact strength were increased for alkali treated/MAPP composites by 4.5%, 17%, 17.2 %, 9% and 10% respectively.

Keywords: Borassus fruit fiber, Alkali treatment, Polypropylene, Maleated polypropylene