Ramakrishna and Sandararajan (2005b) investigated the variation in chemical composition and tensile strength of four natural fibres (coconut, sisal, jute and hibiscus cannabinus fibres), when subjected to alternate wetting and drying and continuous immersion for 60 days in three mediums (water, saturated lime and sodium hydroxide). Chemical composition of all fibres changed for tested conditions (continuous immersion was found to be critical), and fibres lost their strength. But coconut fibres were reported best for retaining a good percentage of its original tensile strength for all tested conditions.
The effect of pre-treatment of coconut fibres is investigated by Asasutjarit, C., et al., 2007 for light weight cement boards.