Caustic pulping of oil-palm frond-fiber strands was conducted following a central composite design using a two-level factorial plan involving three pulping variables (temperature: 160-180 degreesC, time: 1-2 h, alkali charge: 20-30% NaOH). Responses of pulp properties to the process variables were analyzed using a statistical software (DESIGN-EXPERT(R)). The results indicated that frond-fiber strands could be pulped with ease to about 35-45% yield. Statistically, the reaction time was not a significant factor while the influences of the treatment temperature and caustic charge were in general significantly relative to the properties of the resultant pulps. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.