ARTIFICIAL WOOL IS NEW FABRIC, ASSERTS CHEMICAL EXPERT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17756, 28 January 1926, Page 7

ARTIFICIAL WOOL IS NEW FABRIC, ASSERTS CHEMICAL EXPERT.

LESS SUITABLE FOR CLOTHES THAN REAL THING

By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 28, 11.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, January 28. Dr Campbell, president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Chemical Institute, after examining a sample of the artificial wool, said that he was certain that it was a new fabric and not natural cotton fibre. He added: “However it is treated, it is an artificial product of cellulose, but no chemical analysis or microscopic examination can possibly reveal whether the basic substance is wool pulp or artificial silk, or cotton. It is certainly less suitable for weaving into human clothing than wool and there is no possibility of mistaking it for cotton any more than there is for real wool.” (Received January 28, 10.30 a.m.) S\ DXEY, January 28. A sample of synthetic wool w r as submitted to a gathering of wool experts at the wool sales, but they refrained from giving a definite opinion as to whether it would affect the wool industry in Australia. They agree that it had a detracting harshness to the touch, almost brittleness, and a lack of the elasticity possessed by merino wools.

Opinions differ as to the effect which “Sniafil,” the Italian substitute for wool, may have on Australia’s wool industry. It seems fairly certain, however, to be a formidable competitor with cotton, as it can be used instead of cotton for mixing with wool. At least three additional companies propose to engage in the manufacture of “Sniafil,” said the Sydney “ Sun ” recently. The “Financial News,” referring to “ Australia’s consternation ” at the production of “Sniafil,” the artificial wool made in Italy, states: “At least three additional companies intend to manufacture stmthetic wool, samples of which have impressed Bradford manufacturers. Admittedly vegetable fibre is not equal to wool in warmth, softness and dyeing properties, but it must not be forgotten that there are possibilities, in the mixing of the fibre with the real article. Women’s garments made of artificial wool will possibly have, a fair sale, but men’s would have t.o contain as much as 50 per cent of wool. It is expected that the artificial wool will be sold at the same price as cotton yarn. It might, therefore. be used instead of cotton for mixing with wool, and would thus have an important effect on the cotton industry. Cotton manufacturers have been experimenting along these lines, believing that it can be processed with cotton machine^.”