Effects of extractives on some properties of bagasse/high density polypropylene composite

► Composites made with extracted bagasse had higher water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) values. ► TS of samples showed a similar pattern to the water uptake data. ► As the bagasse content was increased, significant increased in WA and TS occurred. ► The difference in WA between extracted and unextracted composites is due to blocking of -OH groups by extractives.