Reactive Agents Research Articles

Improve Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass by Modifying Lignin Structure via Sulfite Pretreatment and Using Lignin Blockers

Even traditional pretreatments can partially remove or degrade lignin and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass for enhancing its enzymatic digestibility, the remaining lignin in pretreated biomass still restricts its enzymatic hydrolysis by limiting cellulose accessibility and lignin-enzyme nonproductive interaction. Therefore, many pretreatments that can modify lignin structure in a unique way and approaches to block the lignin’s adverse impact have been proposed to directly improve the enzymatic digestibility of pretreated biomass. In this review, recent development in sulfite pretreatment that can transform the native lignin into lignosulfonate and subsequently enhance saccharification of pretreated biomass under certain conditions was summarized. In addition, we also reviewed the approaches of the addition of reactive agents to block the lignin’s reactive sites and limit the cellulase-enzyme adsorption during hydrolysis. It is our hope that this summary can provide a guideline for workers engaged in biorefining for the goal of reaching high enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulose.

Embodied social cognition investigated with virtual agents: The infinite loop between social brain and virtual reality

While the debate regarding the embodied nature of human cognition is still a research interest in cognitive science and epistemology, recent findings in neuroscience suggest that cognitive processes involved in social interaction are based on the simulation of others’ cognitive states and ours as well. However, until recently most research in social cognition continues to study mental processes in social interaction deliberately isolated from each other following 19th century’s scientific reductionism. Lately, it has been proposed that social cognition, being emerged in interactive situations, cannot be fully understood with experimental paradigms and stimuli which put the subjects in a passive stance towards social stimuli. Moreover, social neuroscience seems to concur with the idea that a simulation process of possible outcomes of social interaction occurs before the action can take place. In this “perspective” article, we propose that in the light of past and current research in social neuroscience regarding the implications of mirror neuron system and empathy altogether, these findings can be interpreted as a framework for embodied social cognition. We also propose that if the simulation process for the mentalization network works in ubiquity with the mirror neuron system, human experimentations for facial recognition and empathy need a new kind of stimuli. After a presentation of embodied social cognition, we will discuss the future of methodological prerequisites of social cognition studies in this area. On the matter, we will argue that the affective and reactive virtual agents are at the center in conducting such research.

Z-scheme silver-based p-n junction of AgFeO2-modified Ag3VO4 with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Photocatalysis technology is considered an effective way to solve the problem of water pollution and energy shortage, and is hinged on the development of the photocatalyst. In this study, p-type semiconductor AgFeO2 and the n-type photocatalyst Ag3VO4 formed a p-n junction via a simple hydrothermal method. Compared with pure Ag3VO4, the 4 % AgFeO2-modified Ag3VO4 photocatalyst (AgVFe-4) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity: the photodegradation rate of RhB reached 95.1 % within 60 min and possessed good photostability under UV–visible light irradiation. The physical and chemical properties of AgVFe-4 indicated that the composite structure showed a larger special surface area, much lower intensity of photoluminescence, and higher photogenerated carriers separation efficiency. The p-type AgFeO2 and n-type Ag3VO4 could form the p-n junction structure. Based on the analysis of reactive agents, the h+, •O2− and •OH were the main active species during organic pollutions photodegradation, and the photocatalysis process followed the Z-scheme mechanism. Meanwhile, some silver element in the photocatalyst was reduced into Ag0, which could act as the recombination center of the photogenerated carriers, further improving the photocatalytic performance. This work may arouse an increasing interest in designing more Z-scheme silver-based p-n junction heterojunction photocatalysts.

Exploration of thermal Péclet number, vortex viscosity, and Reynolds number on two‐dimensional flow of micropolar fluid through a channel due to mixed convection

AbstractThe present theoretical investigation is conducted on a micropolar fluid medium channel in the presence of mixed and nonlinear convection with the assumptions of thermal radiation and species reactive agents. The nonlinear governing equations, which describe the micropolar fluid flow and energy, are converted into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity variables. With the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method, the resultant equations are numerically solved. The physical characteristics of flow restrictions over velocity, microrotation, energy, and concentration profile are plotted and discussed. Further, the impact of several dimensionless parameters on Nusselt and Sherwood numbers is investigated and depicted graphically. In addition to observing flow patterns, contour plots of streamlines are plotted and discussed. It is demonstrated that the dimensionless velocity, temperature, and concentration of micropolar fluid have a maximum value at the center of the channel. However, the microrotation velocity of the micropolar fluid has both maxima and minima. The thermal and solutal properties of micropolar fluid influence heat and mass transport rates, that is, mixed convection and buoyancy parameter boost up the local heat transfer at the surface. Finally, Péclet number and chemically reactive parameters boost up the local mass transfer at the surface.

Comparative analysis of p-terphenylquinone and seriniquinone derivatives as reactive oxygen species-modulating agents

Quinones are widespread in plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. Several anticancer agents contain quinone structures as critical parts to show remarkable potential and distinctive modes of actions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure–activity relationships of microbial quinones and their derivatives as anticancer agents. A series of p-terphenylquinone and seriniquinone derivatives were therefore prepared. Treatment of the synthesized quinones possessed antiproliferative activity on human leukemia HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, seriniquinone derivatives elevated cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thereby triggering the ensuing apoptotic events. Our findings emphasize the excellent potential of seriniquinone derivatives as redox cycling-induced ROS-modulating anticancer agents.

Magneto-Oldroyd-B fluid flow over an exponentially accelerated vertical porous plate with heat source and reactive agents

ABSTRACT The present research work describes about flowing magnetohydrodynamic generalized Oldroyd-B liquid model in an exponentially accelerated vertical porous boundless device with heat source and reacting species and heat source. The fully developed Oldroyd-B fluid model is stimulated by heat source/sink and species reaction and vertical device under the influence of gravity. The physical flow equation is modelled in the form of partial derivative which is mutated into the dimensionless partial derivative equations by invoking suitable non-dimensional variables. The partial system of derivative equations is tackled by employing perturbation technique. The outcomes for the velocity flow field, thermal and species distributions are exhibited graphically. Computed outcomes for the plate friction, heat gradient and Sherwood number are provided in table. Furthermore, correlation in terms of validation has been tabulated. Some obtained results show that an increase in heat source and time reduces velocity plots but increase the rate of particle temperature. Owing to the Lorentz force produced by the imposed magnetic field, the velocity alongside velocity degenerates. Time parameter compliments the fluid temperature, particle concentration and fluid transport. The heat transfer rate accelerates with higher Prandtl number and heat source, but mass transfer rate retards with higher Schmidt number.

Synergistic degradation of the aqueous antibiotic norfloxacin by nonthermal plasma combined with defective titanium dioxide exposed {0 0 1} facets

The wide band gap of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst leads to its narrow optical response, which seriously affects the application of TiO2. In order to enhance its catalytic efficiency, defective TiO2-exposed {001} facets (TiO2-x) was prepared and applied to pollutants degradation by combing with the dielectric barrier discharge nonthermal plasma (DBD-NTP), so as to use the ultraviolet light and other active species produced by DBD-NTP. Taking aqueous norfloxacin (NOR) as a model pollutant, the degradation performance of NOR by DBD-NTP and TiO2-x was evaluated, the synergistic catalytic mechanism and degradation pathways of NOR based on heterogeneous catalysis were proposed. An artificial neural network model based on genetic algorithm optimization (GA-ANN) was constructed to predict the NOR degradation efficiency. The characteristics of TiO2-x were characterized, and the effects of influencing factors on the NOR degradation efficiency were investigated. The results showed a significant synergistic catalytic effect in NOR degradation by DBD-NTP combined with TiO2-x. The synergistic catalytic effect substantially increased with increasing TiO2-x dosage, and the synergistic factor increased by 3.3 times. The reactive agents 1O2, OH, O2−, h+ and e− played an essential role in NOR degradation, with the contribution of 1O2 being the most significant. TiO2-x had good catalytic stability. The degradation pathways of NOR mainly included breakage of the piperazine ring and quinoline ring, decarboxylation, benzene ring defluorination and mineralization. The established GA-ANN model showed high accuracy (mean square error = 0.0016, correlation coefficient = 0.9956) and could be used to predict the degradation efficiency of aqueous NOR.

Black phosphorus-based CuS nanoplatform: Near-infrared-responsive and reactive oxygen species-generating agent against environmental bacterial pathogens

Over the last few years, the two-dimensional (2D) material black phosphorus (BP) has been highlighted for its potential in various biomedical applications, owing to its excellent physical and chemical properties. Nevertheless, the synergistic photothermal–antibacterial effects of BP when combined with other semiconducting materials against pathogenic bacteria have rarely been explored. In this study, the synergistic photothermal–antibacterial activity of a BP-based CuS (CB) nanoplatform against environmental bacterial pathogens was evaluated. A low-temperature solution synthesis method was utilized to prepare CuS nanoparticles that were immobilized onto BP nanosheets. The resulting CB nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the samples was evaluated by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal activity following near-infrared irradiation. The results revealed that CB nanocomposites showed higher antibacterial activity than other samples owing to the high photothermal conversion efficiency. In addition, the plausible antibacterial mechanisms, such as the formation of reactive oxygen species and bacterial membrane disruption, were evaluated. The prepared 2D semiconductor exhibiting synergistic photothermal–antibacterial activity will serve as a good nanoplatform against multidrug-resistant pathogens shed in the environment.

Stretchability and Deformation Behavior of Polybutylene Adipate-co-terephthalate Blend Films

The single use packaging is widely used in various products; ranging from food to non-food contact, from commodity to specialty purposes. Most of these materials are derived from non-renewable fossil resources. In a sustainable manner, it needs to be recyclable or compostable. Good mechanical properties together with biodegradability can make the product more recyclable. In this study, the elasticity for films consisting of polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) blended with polylactic acid (PLA) (10, and 20 %wt), additive and reactive agents were evaluated. The blends were prepared via a twin-screw extruder. The film specimens were prepared by cast film extrusion. The films were then stretched with different ratios (1.5, 2 and 2.5 times) by the uniaxial machine. The mechanical properties, elasticities and surface morphology of uniaxially stretched PBAT and PBAT blend films were characterized by tensile testing and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The tensile strength of stretched films tended to improve while the elongation at break reduced at higher stretching ratios. The surface morphology of stretched films revealed that the degree of orientation was increased after higher stretching ratios. The ability to recover in the plastic deformation region of stretched films was increased at the higher stretching ratios.

The influence of energetic particle precipitation on Antarctic stratospheric chlorine and ozone over the 20th century

Abstract. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions in the latter part of the 20th century reduced stratospheric ozone abundance substantially, especially in the Antarctic region. Simultaneously, polar stratospheric ozone is also destroyed catalytically by nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) descending from the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere during winter. These are produced by energetic particle precipitation (EPP) linked to solar activity and space weather. Active chlorine (ClOx = Cl + ClO) can also react mutually with EPP-produced NOx or hydrogen oxides (HOx) and transform both reactive agents into reservoir gases, chlorine nitrate or hydrogen chloride, which buffer ozone destruction by all these agents. We study the interaction between EPP-produced NOx, ClO and ozone over the 20th century by using free-running climate simulations of the chemistry–climate model SOCOL3-MPIOM. A substantial increase of NOx descending to the polar stratosphere is found during winter, which causes ozone depletion in the upper and mid-stratosphere. However, in the Antarctic mid-stratosphere, the EPP-induced ozone depletion became less efficient after the 1960s, especially during springtime. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in stratospheric ClO and an increase in hydrogen chloride – and partly chlorine nitrate between 10–30 hPa – can be ascribed to EPP forcing. Hence, the interaction between EPP-produced NOx/HOx and ClO likely suppressed the ozone depletion, due to both EPP and ClO at these altitudes. Furthermore, at the end of the century, a significant ClO increase and ozone decrease were obtained at 100 hPa altitude during winter and spring. This lower stratosphere response shows that EPP can influence the activation of chlorine from reservoir gases on polar stratospheric clouds, thus modulating chemical processes important for ozone hole formation. Our results show that EPP has been a significant modulator of reactive chlorine in the Antarctic stratosphere during the CFC era. With the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, stratospheric chlorine is estimated to return to pre-CFC era levels after 2050. Thus, we expect increased efficiency of chemical ozone destruction by EPP-NOx in the Antarctic upper and mid-stratosphere over coming decades. The future lower stratosphere ozone response by EPP is more uncertain.

Upgrading sodium montmorillonite into a reactive internal curing agent for sustainable cement composites through non-ionic functionalization

The role of non-ionic functionalization in modifying the physical and chemical properties of clay minerals and their potential as internal curing agents in cement composites have been remaining unclear. This work elucidates comprehensive insights into the functionalization of sodium montmorillonites (sMTs) with two non-ionic surfactants, t-octyl phenoxy poly ethoxyethanol (TX100) and polyethylene glycol ether (PEG10), and their influences on sMT properties. The results indicate that both TX100 and PEG10 are effectively intercalated into sMT resulting in increased interlayer spacing and hygroscopic swelling behavior. With the presence of functionalization, the water uptake capacity, ion exchange capacity, and dispersion of the sMT in both water and simulated cement pore solution are improved. With raised Al and Si dissolution, a significant improvement in pozzolanic reactivity of sMT is observed. Insights reported here pave a path for leveraging non-ionic functionalized sMT as a potential internal curing agent for cement hydration and concrete performance enhancement.

Nonenzymatic glycosylation of isolated human immunoglobulin-G by D-ribose.

Glycation is vital in terms of its damaging effect on macromolecules resulting in the formation of end products, which are highly reactive and cross-linked irreversible structures, known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The continuous accumulation of AGEs is associated with severe diabetes and its associated ailments. Saccharides with their reducing ends can glycate amino acid side chains of proteins, among them glucose is well-known for its potent glycating capability. However, other reducing sugars can be more reactive glycating agents than glucose. The D-ribose is a pentose sugar-containing an active aldehyde group in its open form and is responsible for affecting the biological processes of the cellular system. D-ribose, a key component of many biological molecules, is more reactive than most reducing sugars. Protein glycation by reducing monosaccharides such as D-ribose promotes the accelerated formation of AGEs that could lead to cellular impairments and dysfunctions. Also, under a physiological cellular state, the bioavailability rate of D-ribose is much higher than that of glucose in diabetes, which makes this species much more active in protein glycation as compared with D-glucose. Due to the abnormal level of D-ribose in the biological system, the glycation of proteins with D-ribose needs to be analyzed and addressed carefully. In the present study, human immunoglobulin G (IgG) was isolated and purified via affinity column chromatography. D-ribose at 10and 100 mM concentrations was used as glycating agent, for 1-12 days of incubation at 37°C. The postglycation changes in IgG molecule were characterized by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, nitroblue tetrazolium assay, and various other physicochemical analyses for the confirmation of D-ribose mediated IgG glycation.

Ultra-Tough Polylactide/Bromobutyl Rubber-Based Ionomer Blends via Reactive Blending Strategy.

A series of ultra-toughened sustainable blends were prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and bromobutyl rubber-based ionomers (i-BIIRs) via reactive blending, in which dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and Joncryl®ADR-4440 (ADR) were used as reactive blending additives. The miscibility, phase morphology and mechanical property of the PLA/i-BIIRs blends were thoroughly investigated through DMA, SEM, tensile and impact tests. The influence of different ionic groups and the effects of DCP and ADR on the compatibility between the phases, phase structure and mechanical properties were analyzed. The introduction of the imidazolium-based ionic groups and the reactive agents enable the i-BIIRs play multiple roles as effective compatibilizers and toughening agents, leading to improved interfacial compatibility and high toughness of the blends. The mechanical properties test showed that the PLA/i-BIIRs blends exhibit excellent toughness: impact strength and the elongation at break of AR-OH(30)+AD reached 95 kJ/m2 and 286%, respectively. The impact fracture surface showed the large-scale plastic deformation of the PLA matrix in the blends, resulting in greatly absorbing the impact energy. The results proved that simultaneously applying reactive blend and multiple intermolecular interactions methods is an effective toughening strategy for toughening modification of the PLA blends.

Synthesis of tung oil-based vinyl ester resin and its application for anti-corrosion coatings

Anti-corrosion coatings are of great significance for marine equipment and engineering on account of the harsh marine environment. Vinyl ester resin is widely used as a resin material for anti-corrosion coating because of its excellent hardness and protective performance. However, the intrinsic brittleness of vinyl ester resin causes the resulting coating film with poor toughness. In this study, the tung oil-based toughen modifier (TOAMA) with a long carbon chain and annular structure is firstly prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of tung oleic acid and maleic anhydride under solvent-free conditions, and then used as a reactive toughening agent to synthesize toughened vinyl ester resin. The characterization results of Fourier transform infrared and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies reveal the successful synthesis of the TOAMA-toughened vinyl ester resin. Furthermore, the toughened vinyl ester resin is used in the anti-corrosion coatings, and the properties of the related cured coating films including thermostability, mechanical performance and corrosion resistance are systematically studied. The related results display that TOAMA can effectively toughen vinyl ester resin, and the toughened vinyl ester resin prepared with the optimized TOAMA content can effectively improve the mechanical properties including mechanical strength, elongation at break and fracture toughness, and achieve favorable thermal stability and excellent corrosion resistance of the cured coating films. Grafting tung oil-based toughening modifier TOAMA into the backbone of vinyl ester resin effectively provides a significant promising method to toughen vinyl ester resin, which is beneficial to the application of vinyl ester resin in the marine anti-corrosion coating field.

3D Printed Parahydrophobic Surfaces as Multireaction Platforms.

Parahydrophobic surfaces (PHSs) composed of arrays of cubic μ-pillars with a double scale of roughness and variable wettability were systematically obtained in one step and a widely accessible stereolithographic Formlabs 3D printer. The wettability control was achieved by combining the geometrical parameters (H = height and P = pitch) and the surface modification with fluoroalkyl silane compounds. Homogeneous distribution of F and Si atoms onto the pillars was observed by XPS and SEM-EDAX. A nano-roughness on the heads of the pillars was achieved without any post-treatment. The smallest P values lead to surfaces with static contact angles (CAs) >150° regardless of the H utilized. Interestingly, the relationship 0.6 ≤ H/P ≤ 2.6 obtained here was in good agreement with the H/P values reported for nano- and submicron pillars. Furthermore, experimental CAs, advancing and receding CAs, were consistent with the theoretical prediction from the Cassie-Baxter model. Structures covered with perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane with high H and short P lead to PHSs. Conversely, structures covered with perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane exhibited a superhydrophobic behavior. Finally, several aqueous reactions, such as precipitation, coordination complex, and nanoparticle synthesis, were carried out by placing the reactive agents as microdroplets on the parahydrophobic pillars, demonstrating the potential application as chemical multi-reaction array platforms for a large variety of relevant fields in microdroplet manipulation, microfluidics systems, and health monitoring, among others.

In Service Performance of Toughened PHBV/TPU Blends Obtained by Reactive Extrusion for Injected Parts.

Moving toward a more sustainable production model based on a circular economy, biopolymers are considered as one of the most promising alternatives to reduce the dependence on oil-based plastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV), a bacterial biopolyester from the polyhydroxialkanoates (PHAs) family, seems to be an attractive candidate to replace commodities in many applications such as rigid packaging, among others, due to its excellent overall physicochemical and mechanical properties. However, it presents a relatively poor thermal stability, low toughness and ductility, thus limiting its applicability with respect to other polymers such as polypropylene (PP). To improve the performance of PHBV, reactive blending with an elastomer seems to be a proper cost-effective strategy that would lead to increased ductility and toughness by rubber toughening mechanisms. Hence, the objective of this work was the development and characterization of toughness-improved blends of PHBV with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) as a reactive extrusion agent. To better understand the role of the elastomer and the compatibilizer, the morphological, rheological, thermal, and mechanical behavior of the blends were investigated. To explore the in-service performance of the blends, mechanical and long-term creep characterization were conducted at three different temperatures (−20, 23, 50 °C). Furthermore, the biodegradability in composting conditions has also been tested. The results showed that HMDI proved its efficiency as a compatibilizer in this system, reducing the average particle size of the TPU disperse phase and enhancing the adhesion between the PHBV matrix and TPU elastomer. Although the sole incorporation of the TPU leads to slight improvements in toughness, the compatibilizer plays a key role in improving the overall performance of the blends, leading to a clear improvement in toughness and long-term behavior.

Au3+‐Functionalized UiO‐67 Metal‐Organic Framework Nanoparticles: O2•− and •OH Generating Nanozymes and Their Antibacterial Functions (Small 23/2022)

Antibacterial Effects In article number 2200548, Xu Yu, Li Xu, Itamar Willner, and co-workers show that the Au3+-metal-organic framework nanoparticles (NMOFs) nanozymes reveal dual oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities and act as an active catalyst for the catalyzed generation of O2•− under aerobic conditions or •OH in the presence of H2O2. The two reactive oxygen species agents cooperatively formed by Au3+-NMOFs are applied for cell death and inhibition of cell proliferation of S. aureus and E. coli bacterial colonies.

Rescuing Behavioral Impairment after Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Rats

Chemotherapy regimens have been extensively used for the treatment of various types of cancers. Despite the effectiveness of this treatment, clinical use of chemotherapeutic agents often produces negative side effects like deficits in cognition and memory, delayed processing speed, and executive function. This condition is widely recognized as chemotherapy‐induced cognitive impairment or “Chemo brain.” Our study aimed to identify the neurobiological mechanisms possibly responsible for this cognitive impairment. We examined the effects of chronic treatment with the chemotherapeutic drug Doxorubicin on cognitive impairment. Doxorubicin is a reactive oxygen species‐producing antineoplastic Anthracycline agent that adversely affects hippocampal neurogenesis, causes neuro‐inflammation, and induces apoptosis. Baseline activity data were collected and then twelve young female Long Evans hooded rats were randomly assigned to receive either Doxorubicin (6mg/kg) or 0.9% saline given intraperitoneally, once weekly for four weeks. After treatment, rats were assessed on the string‐pulling task, the bar walk test, and open field test. Two individuals blind to the treatment calculated the average time duration, number of attempts to pull the string, number of misses, total number of mouth contacts before and after treatment for the string‐pulling task, number of deep slips, slight slips, and the total number of slips for the bar walk test. Similarly, the number of entries to the center, number of entries to the corners, time spent at the center vs corner, and latency to first enter and exit the center was calculated for the open field test and compared between two groups. No significant differences were detected between Dox‐treated and Control rats on any measure, which suggests that the Dox‐treatment produced little or no significant peripheral neuropathy that disrupted performance on the motor tasks we used and did not induce significant anxiety in our rats. Immuno‐histochemical analyses of brain tissues is ongoing to examine markers of neurogenesis and neuro‐inflammation.

THE USE OF BIO-MOLECULAR SUBSTANCE OF MARINE BIOTA AS AN ALTERNATIVE EARLY INDICATOR OF OIL POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT: A NEW APPROACH FOR MONITORING CONSIDERATION

THE USE OF BIO-MOLECULAR SUBSTANCE OF MARINE BIOTA AS AN ALTERNATIVE EARLY INDICATOR OF OIL POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT: A NEW APPROACH FOR MONITORING CONSIDERATION

Effect of surface treatment of cotton fibers on the durability of polylactic acid/cotton-fiber biocomposites

Composites composed entirely of biodegradable polymer materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and natural fibers are attracting attention as alternatives to petroleum-based plastic materials. Since fibers have low dispersibility in bulk resins such as PLA, the use of fiber surface treatment agents can improve the fiber dispersibility and the physical properties of the composites. In this study, accelerated degradation tests were conducted at 60°C for upto 2000 h on specimens containing cotton fibers at a ratio of 40 wt% to the PLA matrix. The results showed that the interfacial adhesion between the PLA matrix and cotton fibers could be improved by coating the cotton fibers with a reactive surface treatment agent. Furthermore, the addition of 5 wt% of epoxidized linseed oil, a medium-molecular-weight reactive surface treatment agent, not only promoted the crystallization of the PLA/cotton-fiber composites at 60°C, but also improved the thermal and mechanical properties with the degradation time.