Coir fibers were modified with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Concentration of HDDA, soaking time, and radiation dose were optimized and found to be 30%, HDDA in methanol along with photoinitiator Irgacure-500 (2%) and 120 min of soaking time registered as the better performance (polymer loading (PL) 7%, tensile strength factor, T-f = 1.50). Urea of different concentrations (0.5-2%) were incorporated with 30% HDDA to monitor its effect on the properties and 1% Urea produced the best results (PL = 25%, T-f = 1.82). For the improvement of the properties, the fibers were subjected to surface treatment with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) of different concentrations at various treating times. Enhanced properties (PL = 86%. T-f = 4.42) of the fibers treated with KMnO4 (0.05%) were obtained. The KMnO4 treated fibers were again treated with HDDA (30%) solution along with urea (1%) and found to produce the best results (PL = 100%, T-f = 4.5). Water uptake and degradable properties of the treated and virgin fibers were obtained. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.