ARTIFICIAL WOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21078, 15 April 1932, Page 9

ARTIFICIAL WOOL

MANUFACTURED FROM JUTE NEW PROCESS DISCOVERED JPrcss Association —By Telegraph-Copyright. NEW YORK, April 13. The Columbia University announces that its chemical engineering, department, under the direction of Professor Ralph H. M'Kee, has perfected the commercial production of artificial wool from jute. Professor M‘Kee indicated that the substitute can be manufactured at 25 cents per lb, compared with the current price of 35 cents. While he stated that the substance could hardly be distinguished from so-called “ all wool,” the scientist was not ready to compare the same with fine merino in any way.

Professor M‘Kee said: “ When the price of wool reaches 50 cents in New York the manufacture of the substitute will be commercially feasible. The equipment needed is not particularly expensive, being principally tanks and an adequate water supply.”

Professor M‘Kee was reluctant to discus* the economic factors, especially the possible effect of the process upon the wool-growing countries of the world. He said he saw no reason why 'Australia should “ worry ” over the prospects of competition. He seemed to prefer to discuss the matter •“ academically.”

It is interesting to note that the university’s announcement also included news of development in the process of manufacture of artificial diamonds, of from 1 to 20 carat size, by a graduate student under the laboratory direction of Professor M‘Kee.