In this paper, biocomposites materials based on date palm fibres (untreated or treated with corona discharge) as reinforcing elements and polylactic acid matrices were prepared and characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of these biocomposites by modification of date palm fiber by using corona discharge treatment which results in a surface oxidation. The morphology of processed biocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that treated fibers of the reinforced composite showed superior mechanical properties as compared with untreated fiber reinforced composites due to the enhanced adhesion between the treated date palm fiber and the polylactic acid matrix. Changes in the surface chemistry were investigated with Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, morphological studies by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that better adhesion between the treated fiber and the matrix was achieved. Such studies are of great interest in the development of environmentally friendly composites from biodegradable polymers.

Key words: Polylactic acid, date palm fibres, biocomposites, Corona treatment, mechanical properties, surface treatments.