Natural fibre is often used as reinforcement in polymer composites. The main problem of using these natural fibres is their poor compatibility and hydrophilic nature. Therefore, chemical modification of constituents becomes necessary to enhance adhesion between hydrophilic fibre and hydrophobic polymer matrix. The aim of this work is to improve the interfacial adhesion between the polypropylene matrix and the nonwoven flax batting. Chemical treatments with acrylic acid, 4-pentanoic acid, 2,4-pentadienoic acid, and 2-methyl-4-pentanoic acid were investigated. The composites were processed by compression molding using a film stack method. The mechanical properties of these modified composites, such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength were analyzed and compared. It was found that these properties were dependent on the kind and amount of chemical treatment. SEM and thermal studies were also conducted.
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