Preparation and characterization of lotus fibers from lotus stems

Lotus stems were treated with sodium hydroxide followed by sodium chlorite to prepare lotus fibers. The lotus fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The crystallinity and crystallinity index of lotus fibers are 62.11 and 62.29%, respectively. The content of cellulose in lotus fibers after being purified with sodium chlorite is improved and reaches 69.74%. The moisture regain of lotus fibers was studied and the results show that moisture regain of purified lotus fibers is 6.87%. The influences of concentration of sodium chlorite on tensile strength and breaking elongation of lotus fibers were investigated. The tensile strength and breaking elongation of lotus fibers both decrease as the concentration of sodium chlorite increases. The results are expected to provide valuable guidance for preparing lotus fibers from lotus stems through chemical treatment.