ARTIFICIAL WOOL MADE

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1932, Page 9

ARTIFICIAL WOOL MADE

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FEAT RAW JUTE THE MATERIAL USED. COMMERCIAL VALUE DISCUSSED. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. New York, April 13. The Columbia University has announced that its chemical engineering department, under the direction of Professor Ralph H. McKee, has perfected the commercial production of artificial wool from jute. Professor McKee indicated that the substitute can be manufactured for 25 cents a pound, compared with the current price of 35 cents. While stating that the substance could hardly be distinguished from so called “all wool,” the scientist was not ready to compare it with fine Merino in any way.

Mr. McKee said that when woo? reached 50 cents in New York the manufacture of the substitute was commercially feasible. The equipment needed was not particularly expensive, being principally tanks and an adequate water supply.

Mr. McKee was reluctant to discuss economic factors, especially the possible effect of the process upon the woolgrowing countries of the world. He said he saw no reason why Australia should “worry” over the prospects of competition. Ho seemed to prefer to discuss the matter “academically.” It is interesting to note that the university’s announcement also included news of the development and manufacture of artificial diamonds of onetwentieth carat size by a graduate 'student under the laboratory direction of Mr. McKee.