ARTIFICIAL SILK

Shannon News, 20 November 1928, Page 4

ARTIFICIAL SILK

NEW USE FOE CABBAGES

The mysteries of artificial silk were discussed on September 1 by the delegates attending the Drapers’ Chamber of Trade Summer School, at Cam* bridge. .Mr Arthur Mason, of Macclesfield, said that although artificial silk fabric could be made of wood pulp, it could also be made from cabbages, bananas, or any other- vegetable matter from which cellulose could be obtained. "People can usually tell the difference between pure and artificial silk by squeezing it, up in their hands," he said. "Real silk, unless it is weighted with chemicals, feels warm to the touch. Artificial silk feels cold and slippery besides being too lustrous. "Its creasing propensity is one of the greatest problems for manufacturers, and many experiments are being tried to cope with this difficulty) and save women the trouble of having to iron an artificial silk frock each timo it has to be worn.

"Nothing could be more suitable for underclothing and window linen than artificial silk. It has made tremendous strides since the day it was made from glass and straw, and it is still making rapid headway." It is interesting: to read in the Financial Times that while no increase in turnover in foreign trade for artificial silk is noticeable, inquiries from India for a wide range of fabrics have been better. There is, soine sign of slackening in the Brazilian demand, but British manufacturers have secured a good hold here. In Argentina trade is improving. The Dominions are maintaining a very good business, and Australia and New Zealand are particularly interesting. In the latter case the consumption of artificial silk goods has been increased by the cancellation of the tariff.