In the present study, bast kenaf natural fibres were alkali-treated to determine the effect of treatment on the physical properties of natural fibre-reinforced biocomposites. Both unsaturated polyesters and bio-polyester resins were used as matrices. Other resin systems were studied as well, including a resin made with low VOC, fatty acid-derived reactive diluents. After all the biocomposites had been fabricated via compression moulding, it was observed that the incorporation of alkali-treated fibres in the biocomposites decreased the flexural and thermo-mechanical properties of the biocomposites. It was also observed that mercerizing the kenaf aided in reducing the moisture absorption by 30% and increasing the compressive strength by ∼30% compared to that of the untreated biocomposites. The property changes were believed to be the result of crystallinity changes in the kenaf as a result of the treatment.
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