New Synthetic

New Synthetics

E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. fortnight ago announced it would erect a new textile plant and begin commercial production of Fibre 66, regarded by chemists as the first satisfactory substitute for silk in hosiery. Last week Celanese Corp. of America, third largest U. S. rayon manufacturer,* approved construction of a $10,000,000 factory near Pearisburg, Va. where it too will produce a new synthetic silk fibre. This unnamed yarn, said company officials, can be used for various textile products, does not correspond with Fibre 66. But the trade saw in the announcement a second sign that the Japanese silkworm soon will spin no more for U. S. hosiery makers.

This week Weco Products Co. (Dr. West's) marketed the first toothbrush with synthetic bristles replacing the standard hog bristles imported from northern China. These new synthetic bristles are actually coarse strands of Fibre 66, and Weco claims they absorb only 20% as much moisture and dry much more quickly than the natural variety. Developed by the late Du Pont Chemist W. H. Carothers, Fibre 66 in bristle form is called "Exton," is made by forcing through small openings a synthetic resin known as "nylon," thus producing filaments in much the same way that rayon is manufactured. Because diameter of the bristles can be regulated in production, definite standards of "hardness" can be maintained.

*No. 1 U.S. rayon firm is American Viscose Corp., No. 2 Du Pont.

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