Bamboo strip reinforced novolac resin composites were fabricated using bamboo strips that were treated with varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution at a constant filler loading (25%). The mechanical properties of various composites (flexural modulus, toughness, tensile strength, and elastic modulus) were determined. The physical characteristics, such as the wetting ability of the alkali treated reinforcements, were increased because of alkali treatment. With increasing concentrations of alkali, a higher percent loss in weight occurred. The mechanical properties were increased with increasing mercerizing strength. Maximum improvement in properties was achieved with 16-20% of caustic treated reinforcements. An FTIR study indicated aryl alkyl ether formation with -OH groups of cellulose and methylol groups of novolac resin. Beyond 20% there was degradation in all strength properties because of the failure in the mechanical properties of the reinforcements. A correlation was found to exist between the mechanical properties and the developed morphology. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.