Data from: Extraction of lotus fibers from lotus stems under microwave irradiation

An efficient technology for preparing lotus fibers under microwave irradiation was developed. The lotus fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG). Lotus fibers prepared are a kind of hollow fibers, which are composed of superfine fiber and external shell. Effect of treatment time of hydrogen peroxide under microwave irradiation on component, whiteness, moisture regain, removal rate of impurities, fineness, tensile strength and breaking elongation of lotus fibers were investigated. The results show that cellulose content in lotus fibers increases with prolonging treatment time. Whiteness and moisture regain of lotus fibers increase with prolonging treatment time of hydrogen peroxide. Removal rate of impurities and fineness of lotus fibers are improved after being treated with hydrogen peroxide. Preparation of lotus fibers under microwave irradiation is supposed to provide an efficient method for producing lotus fibers.