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Polypropylene composites reinforced with jute fabrics (Hessian cloth) were fabricated by heat-press molding technique. Mechanical properties of the composites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus and impact strength were measured with reference to fiber loading in polypropylene matrix. Jute fabrics were treated with potassium permanganate in oxalic acid media in order to investigate the oxidizing effect on the properties of the composites. Solutions of oxalic acid were prepared in water as 1.0–10.0% w/v, where percentage of potassium permanganate was maintained at 0.01% w/v. Among the treatments, potassium permanganate in 5.0% oxalic acid treated jute composite showed better mechanical performance. Thermogravimetric data of polypropylene, jute fabrics and composites showed that thermal degradation temperatures of composites shifted to higher temperature regions compared to polypropylene or jute fabrics. Treatment of jute fabrics improved the thermal stability of the composite. Degradation characteristics of the composites were studied in soil, water and simulated weathering conditions. Water uptake of the composites was also studied. Treated jute composites were found less degradable as well as less water sensible compared to control composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]