Natural fibers, in particularly lignocellulosic fibers are attracting material scientists now days, due to their comparative advantages over synthetic fibers. Biodegradable composites reinforced with short banana fibre after alkali treatment along with cassava starch matrix were prepared using the hot compression method. The mechanical properties like tensile strength and impact strength were investigated. Mechanical properties of the composites made from alkali treated fibres were superior to the untreated fibres. SEM observations on the fracture surface of composites showed that the surface modification of the fibre occurred and improved fibre–matrix adhesion. Keywords: Surface modification; banana fiber; Biodegradable composites; Mechanical properties; Matrix.

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