Cellulosic fibers from Lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i>) peduncle

Abstract

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), an aquatic monocotyledonous plant, is highly valued for cut flower and plant parts containing medicinal properties. The paper presents the method of drawing out cellulosic fibers from lotus peduncles. Mechanical properties of lotus fibers were evaluated and compared with other common natural fibers. Morphology and characteristics of lotus fiber and peduncle were studied using scanning electron micrograph. Fiber characterization was done to identify the elements present and chemical composition in the lotus fiber by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results reveal that lotus fiber is one of the finest (0.22 tex) natural fibers with helical structure and promising quality. Chemical characterization of the lotus fiber shows presence of cellulose and similarity with cotton fibers.