The mechanical performance, hygrothermal aging behavior, and morphological stability of polyolefin composite materials reinforced with natural lignocellulosic fibers are significantly influenced by the interphase strength between the matrix and the reinforcements. This study focuses on analyzing the interfacial properties between the polypropylene (PP) matrix and alfa fiber reinforcements. The alfa fibers were classified into two groups: untreated and treated with a 3% (w/v) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Additionally, 5 wt% maleic anhydride (MAPP) was incorporated into the PP matrix as a compatibilizer. The composites, containing 30 wt% fibers, were fabricated using a single-screw extruder and subsequently injection molded. Hygrothermal aging was conducted by immersing the samples in distilled water at temperatures for up to 2 months. The tensile properties of unaged samples of PP/alfa fiber composites were evaluated and compared with those of aged composites. The findings indicated that the 65PP-A30T-5 MA composite, subjected to combined treatment, exhibited superior tensile properties both before and after hygrothermal aging compared to the other composites. The moisture absorption behavior of the composites at different temperatures showed good agreement with Fick’s law. Moreover, results from the modified Kelly-Tyson model demonstrated that the interfacial shear strength (τ) of the composites with combined treatment was higher than that of untreated composites. SEM analysis further confirmed that composites treated with 3% (w/v) NaOH and 5 wt% MAPP exhibited enhanced interfacial bonding and fewer voids.
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