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

An efficient technology for preparing lotus fibres under microwave
irradiation was developed. The lotus fibres were characterized by scanning
electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray
diffraction and thermogravimetry. Lotus fibres prepared are a kind of
hollow fibres which are composed of a superfine fibre and an external
shell. The effect of the treatment time with hydrogen peroxide under
microwave irradiation on components, whiteness, moisture regain, removal
rate of impurities, fineness, tensile strength and breaking elongation of
lotus fibres was investigated. The results show that the cellulose content
in lotus fibres increases with increase in treatment time. Whiteness and
moisture regain of lotus fibres increase with increase in treatment time
with hydrogen peroxide. The removal rate of impurities and the fineness of
lotus fibres are improved after they are treated with hydrogen peroxide.
Microwave irradiation is supposed to be an efficient method for producing
lotus fibres.