In order to improve compatibility and composite properties of pineapple leaf fibers/polyamide 6 composite, alkaline and silane
treatments were conducted for fiber modification. Effect of fiber surface treatment on the properties of the composites was
investigated. Untreated and treated fibers were raw (R-PALF), alkaline treated (Na-PALF) and silane treated pineapple leaf fibers
(Si-PALF). Fiber loading was varied in polyamide 6 based composite. Morphology and fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion, thermal
and mechanical properties were examined. Surface treatments can improve interfacial adhesion between these two phases. All
PALFs have enhanced thermal stability of all composites. However, thermal characteristics of the composites, i.e. Tc, Tm and
crystallinity, have not been affected by PALF types. Na-PALF and Si-PALF help improving mechanical properties of the
composites. Young’s modulus and tensile strength have been increased whereas elongation decreased by both treated PALFs
which indicates that the composites become stiffer and stronger but less flexible. From the results, it could be stated that alkali
treatment is sufficient to improve compatibility and properties of the PALF/polyamide 6 composites at fiber loading of 30 %wt.