ABSTRACTThe aim of present work is to study the behavior of completely biodegradable starch‐based composites containing okra cellulosic fibers in the range from 5 to 25 wt%. The cornstarch matrix and composites were prepared by using urea–formaldehyde as a cross‐linking agent. The cross‐linked cornstarch matrix and its composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, thermal and different mechanical properties, i.e., tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of composites, were also studied. The thermal stability of fiber‐reinforced composite was increased as compared to starch matrix. The mechanical properties of composite such as tensile, compressive, and flexural have been found to increase with the increase in fiber content up to 15% loading. The composite specimens tested for tensile, compressive, and flexural strength at 15% fiber loading exhibited values of 17.78 ± 0.89, 33.55 ± 1.67 and 60.1 ± 3.01 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the matrix and composites were subjected to biodegradation studies through the soil burial method.