Effects of sodium hydroxide treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of lotus fibers

Abstract

Lotus fibers were prepared from lotus stems through being treated with sodium hydroxide. The lotus fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG and DTA). The results indicate that the length of lotus fibers ranges from 3.52 cm to 5.80 cm and the width of lotus fibers ranges from 50 μm to 90 μm. Lotus fibers belong to celluloses fiber with cellulose I structure and the crystallinity of lotus fibers is 48.50 %. The lotus fibers consist of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, pectin, lipid and water-soluble substances. The effect of concentration of sodium hydroxide, time and temperature of treatment on removal of impurities, fineness and breaking strength of lotus fibers were investigated. The results suggest that the removal of impurities and breaking strength increase with the rise of concentration of the sodium hydroxide, time and temperature of treatment, respectively. However, the fineness of lotus fibers decreases with an increase in concentration of the sodium hydroxide, time and temperature of treatment. The results are expected to provide valuable guidance for preparation of lotus fibers through simple treatment with sodium hydroxide, which can be applied in textile industry.