described their research in simpler, more graphic terms than you'll find in modern technical reports. I fear I have dwelt overlong in my efforts to give you a picture of what we are after in science articles. And this picture of mine should not be taken as the one and only recipe. Other magazines, particularly those which are devoted exclusively to science, have slightly different criteria. But all of them want material that makes interesting reading. I am often asked the best way to interest a magazine editor in a story idea. What is the approach? There is no mystery about this. No secret grip. If you have a friend on the staff, fine. Cive him a call. But it really isn't the approach which counts the most. It is the quality of the material you have to present. Usually editors like to have suggestions in writing. And don't be too brief. Don't be like the managing editor of a Philadelphia paper who wired his Washington correspondent: "We have information that there is something in the air. Rush us 1,000 words on it." Give us something specific to go on. We would much prefer an overabundance of information to just a paragraph or two concluding with the assurance that "this will make a wonderful story." I don't know how often I have
had to reply to such letters -with the statement that there was not enough information in the letter to permit us to form any judgment as to whether there was a story for us on the subject. W e like to know why you think a development is significant- Supply one or two anecdotes t o indicate the type of human interest material which is available. If colorful personalities are involved give the editor a few notes on them. If the editor seems interested in your suggestion a preliminary interview with him may be arranged. But if the subject is not in your own field and you anticipate questions which you may not be able to answer yourself bring along someone who can answer them. When the project reaches the stage where the writer is calling at your plant or laboratory be sure to allow him plenty of time with each of the men he wants to see. Interviews for magazine articles can't be rushed—and that is one point I cannot emphasize too strongly. Often the best material comes in the second hour, when the interviewee is finally relaxed, feels at ease with the writer, and has begun to "give" with the human notes that make the story. In this connection it is a good idea to introduce the writer to someone on the research team who has a knack
of talking about the work in a lucid and colorful way, someone who can carry the interview along in an easy, productive style. Timing is important. If your company is to announce a major development and you think it might make a magazine article, present the idea to an editor several months before you make a general release. You can sometimes plan general newspaper releases to break about the time the magazine story does. There are many other do's and don'ts in this relationship between the public relations chairmen, their scientist associates, and the press. But good common sense is your best guide. Your organization is most fortunate in having a public relations unit which appraises so well the needs and tastes of newspaper and magazine writers. It has been most helpful for many years. I want to say in closing that you have already made our task as science writers much easier than it was some 20 odd years ago. We value greatly your friendship and your cooperation and I know that together we can do a great deal to "humanize chemistry" and to tell its remarkable story. T H E ABOVE talk was given at t h e ACS News Service breakfast during the Philadelphia session of the 117th national meeting of ACS on April 1 1 .
Research and Results at Mellon Institute, 1 9 4 9 - 5 0 A review based upon the contents of the thirtyseventh annual report of the director, E. R. Weidlein, to the board of trustees of the institution, for the fiscal y e a r ended Feb. 2 8 , 1950 A FOREFRONT in research is gained by -*^- keeping abreast of new developments in science and by meeting needs of humanity. The organization that became Mellon Institute in 1913 has been serving as a guide for such leadership ever since Robert Kennedy Duncan, the first director, introduced the fellowship system in Pittsburgh 40 years ago. The institute has become a center for advancing efforts in the cultivation of thorough scientific investigation—a source of data on research management, personnel, and laboratories. Personnel, Fellowships, And Publications During the fiscal year 1949-50 the institute's department of research in pure chemistry has had seven fellows and one assistant. In the department of research in chemical physics have been seven fellows and four aides. The analytical department has one fellow and three assistants. The new department of research in physical chemistry is under development. The institute's applied science research staff has consisted of 266 fellows and their 1810
248 aides, employed on 84 fellowships— 47 multiple, 37 individual fellowships. Of these fellowships, seven have been proceeding 30 years or longer, others at least as follows: one, 25 years; five, 20 years; 12, 15 years; and 20, 10 years. Eleven more fellowships have ended five years of research. The servicing staff numbers 223. Twelve new fellowships started during the year: agglomeration, aromatic anhydrides, arsenic, friction applications, mineacid treatment, monomers, nickel derivatives, phenolic chemicals, pipe joints, sodium derivatives, special resins, and zymology. Eight out of 12 fellowships intermitted during the war remain to be reinstated; these programs and new fellowships waiting to b e incepted will commence work when the proper personnel and facilities are obtainable. The following fellowships were terminated in 194950: alloying, candy technology, coal-products analysis, coke-plant constructional materials, special instrumentation, and yeast. From March 1, 1949, to March 1, 1950, the institute's expenditures for pure and CHEMICAL
applied research amounted to $3,524,454. In addition, in the same period, the institute spent $1,187,709 on the new construction described below. In the calendar year 1949 there came from departments and fellowships 11 bulletins, 57 research papers and 47 other scientific articles. The* total publications since the institute's principles were first applied in Pittsburgh in 1910 have been 24 hooks, 235 bulletins and 2,580 journal contributions. During 1949, 72 U. S. Patents were granted to members of the institution^ making the aggregate, since 1911, 1,157. New Research Advantages In the Institute To enable the expansion of its facilities in general, the institute began in 1948 to complete the unfinished portions of its building and since then the progress has been steady. This construction on four floors will provide 22 large and 10 small laboratories, nine fellowship offices, eight special offices for Industria' Hygiene Foundation, a constant-temperature room, and a storage room. New rooms on the fifth, AND
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sixth, and seventh floors are already occupied b y m e m b e r s of seven fellowships a n d quarters o n t h e eighth floor will subsequently house three other groups. I n t h e library an unfinished area is being c o n verted into a current-periodical and a b stract-searching room, a n d t h e rear of t h e floor above is being p r e p a r e d for supplem e n t a l stacks. T h e library a n d the a u d i torium are to b e air-conditioned. Work is well started on the h e a d q u a r t e r s for t h e Robert Kennedy D u n c a n C l u b . Conference and m e e t i n g rooms are t o b e set u p on t h e third floor. Also on this floor a room is being m a d e into a physical m e a s urements laboratory. Many of the p r e s ent shop facilities are being enlarged. Pure S c i e n c e R e s e a r c h P r o g r a m s D e p a r t m e n t of Research in P u r e C h e m istry. A collaborative project has b e e n entered into w i t h L . J. M e d u n a at t h e Illinois Neuropsychiatrie Institute. After extensive examination of t h e biochemistry of mental patients, this investigator h a d found that about two thirds of t h e schizophrenics exhibited a m a r k e d resistance t o t h e action of insulin. F r o m the u r i n e of these patients he isolated a crude m a t e rial which, w h e n injected into animals, produced a pronounced rise in t h e blood sugar. This material, known as the a n t i insulin factor, has b e e n supplied to t h e d e p a r t m e n t so that a n a t t e m p t may b e m a d e to isolate a n d identify its active principle. Preliminary studies have b e e n conducted on this material a n d there has b e e n enlisted t h e cooperation of t h e Western Psychiatric Institute of t h e University of Pittsburgh. This research should advance the understanding of o n e of t h e commonest forms of mental disease a n d m a y eventually lead t o a chemotherapeutic treatment for it. Because of t h e relationship between certain mental disturbances a n d the m e tabolism of carbohydrate, a n d because malfunctioning of this process is a characteristic o f diabetes, further investigation of t h e latter disease m a y help to t h r o w some light on t h e former. The inV O L U M E
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injection of alloxan into animals brings a b o u t an experimental diabetes, and it has b e e n surmised that t h e formation of this c o m p o u n d may b e a cause of h u m a n diabetes mellitus. I n order t o test this h y pothesis, a procedure has been devised t h a t gives a t r u e evaluation of alloxan m o n o h y d r a t e content and this m e t h o d is n o w being applied to studies of materials of biological origin, I n relation to m e n t a l diseases it was felt t h a t t h e n a t u r e a n d significance of t h e porphyrin c o m p o u n d s occurring in nerve tissue warranted r e search. T h e approach involves the synthesis of protoporphyrin derivatives of k n o w n structure, and the determination of their infrared a n d x-ray diffraction spectra. T h e comparison of their properties with those of porphyrins extracted from nerve tissue may then he m a d e . Folic acid appears to have a function in formation of t h e r e d cells of t h e blood. O n t h e other hand, aminopterin acts as a strong inhibitor of multiplication of w h i t e cells of t h e blood stream. Because of this contrast in action, t h e d e p a r t m e n t h a s prepared a series of pteridine derivatives and has also synthesized t h e corresponding 4-amino analogs. These comp o u n d s will be tested biologically. D e p a r t m e n t of Research in Chemical Physics. T h e investigations have involved t h e characterization o f molecular structures b y means of ultraviolet, infrared and R a m a n spectra, application of spectra to vibrational analysis of simple molecules, chemical a n d physical uses of diffraction, a n d structure determinations w i t h single crystals. Research on t h e molecular structure of eyclopentane was completed, a n d a study of the spectroscopic determination of ant h r a c e n e in crude anthracene cake has afforded a procedure that gives results comp a r a b l e to those of t h e chemical methods b u t is very much more rapid. Research on t h e geometrical factors causing broadening of Geiger-counter spectrometer maxima h a s used highly refined techniques. T h e results h a v e application in t h e determination of crystallite size in the colloidal MAY
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range. T h e geometry of slits vs. pinholes for powder diffraction work has been investigated. Great gains i n intensity are obtainable b y replacing pinholes with slits a n d t h e n viewing t h e focal spot either longitudinally or transversely. Procedures for crystallite size determination with the 90° x-ray spectrometer h a v e b e e n studied. Precision lattice constants w e r e determined at 25° C. for a series of solid solutions of rubidium chloride-rubidium bromide and theoretical correlations are b e i n g investigated. Sodium aluminum chloride was selected for a complete crystal structure analysis because of its application as a catalyst in t h e Friedel a n d Crafts synthesis. This analysis has established the presence of Na + a n d A1CL" ions in the crystalline compound. D e p a r t m e n t of Research in Physical Chemistry. T h e activities have related to digital computing machinery a n d distillation theory. T h e studies of distillation have largely centered on a new approach that regards all mixtures as containing an infinite n u m b e r of constituents. Investigations of C o n t i n u e d
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C e r a m i c Researches Refractories. T h e panel-spalling test evolved by t h e multiple fellowship of the American Refractories Institute is n o w in widespread use. T h e apparatus for the thermal shock work has recently been greatly altered for t h e better from the standpoint of accuracy of control a n d by virtually eliminating t h e personal factor— an improvement accomplished b y combining m a n y modern control elements to provide a n automatic system of precise operations. T h e effect of carbon monoxide on blastfurnace refractories is u n d e r study. T h e fellowship has also been investigating certain features relating to the formulation of refractory mortars, including the effects of wetting agents a n d other organic additives. Porcelain E n a m e l Technology. The fellowship sustained b y t h e O. Hommel Co. has carried forward research on the effects produced b y t h e various components of enamel compositions, singly and in combination, thereby making possible t h e direct attainment of specified enamel properties. O n e of t h e most important developments in the field of titania-opacified cover coats has been the reduction of firing temperature. Enamels having m u c h increased heat stability have been produced. Garco Products. Researches o n the fellowship of Garco Products, Inc., have enabled t h e improvement and extended the utilization of several finely ground siliceous by-products from t h e plate-glass industry. Garsand, now prepared b y a superior method, has proved to b e an excellent source of silica and cullet i n batch yielding high quality glass. Through effective stabilization Garspar, can b e shipped and stored over long periods of time i n a moist condition without excessive increase of alkali, àVid can be satisfactorily utilized 1811
in pottery slips. If dried, t h e specially treated material will remain stabilized indefinitely. Gartex, which is employed in asphalt, plastic, and rubber products, is being refined during its manufacture to remove any oversize agglomerated particles. Optical Glass. T h e fellowship maintained by the Bausch and L o m b Optical Co. has gone on in its long-range investigation of t h e physical properties of optical glass, their variation with temperature, and •with heat treatment. Progress can be recorded in annealing optical glass for the reduction of residual strain in addition to the elimination of heterogeneities of index of refraction.
Ferrometallurgical Projects Ferrocarbo i n I r o n and Steel Production. The multiple fellowship s u p ported by t h e C a r b o r u n d u m C o . conducted additional research o n t h e employment of Ferrocarbo silicon c a r b i d e . I n t h e grayiron foundry field t h e principal study w a s t h e effect of Ferrocarbo briquets on quality of m e t a l . T h e improvement in machinability was outstanding. A second investigation embraced the application of Ferrocarbo in t h e melting of close to 1O0 heats of steel made by t h e basic open-hearth process. The effectiveness of Ferrocarbo in blocking a heat and in producing a high m a n g a n e s e recovery in t h e steel w a s appraised.
Bentone products pilot plant
T h e basis of a process for m a k i n g ferrous ammonium sulfate from pickle liquor Pressure treatment of wood
Abrasive W h e e l Grinding. Utilizing techniques contrived previously the fellowship of the Grinding W h e e l Institute has studied residual stresses resulting from abrasive wheel grinding of tool steel. T h e findings t e n d to substantiate the thesis that plastic deformation of the surface m e t a l by t h e abrasive grains is an important factor in t h e development of such stresses. Utilization of W a s t e Pickle L i q u o r . A multiple fellowship of the American Iron and Steel Institute concluded an investigation of means for converting ferrous t o ferric sulfate w i t h t h e development of a process for carrying out the oxidation with sulfur dioxide a n d oxygen i n a gas-dispersion device of special design. A n h y d r o u s ferric sulfate, if it could b e m a d e cheaply enough, would b e a possible r a w material for manufacturing sulfuric acid b y t h e Nordhausen process. The delineation of large deposits of low-grade manganese ore in Maine has lent n e w impetus t o t h e fellowship's manganese recovery process. T h e potential importance of ferrous ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer adjunct has led to research o n producing it from pickle liquor by treatment with either ammonia or ammonium sulfate. Piloting Steel Construction. T h e year has b e e n eventful for the multiple fellowship of t h e Pittsburgh-Des Moines Co. Field welding h a s been subjected t o controls t h a t h a v e practically eliminated guesswork—welding is safeguarded scientifically. Large steel structures h a v e been analyzed for stress-strain relationships. Surveys have b e e n m a d e of m o r e than 2,000 steel structures t h a t have b e e n in service in 40 states for more t h a n five years. Cathodic protection has h a d comprehensive research. T h e Icosasphere, b r o u g h t to reality b y t h e joint efforts of t h e donor's engineering staff a n d t h e fellowship, is composed of 20 shaped-steel parallelograms, all welded together to form a perfect sphère. I n t h e development, models w e r e m o l d e d of L u c i t e . T h e first 32-foot diameter Icosasphere, built at Carderock, M d . , is in successful operation under high vacua.
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New Constructional Elements. The multiple fellowship of the H. H. Robertson Co. is elaborating a metal exterior wall panel as a replacement for older forms of heavy masonry construction. Another development, terrazzo-type Hubbellite, provides a floor having the unique functional properties of this cupric oxychloride cement in attractive pattern. There has been continuity in "working toward the use of the Stypols [see CHEM. ENG. NEWS, 27, 1592 (1949)] in products for the industrial building field. Stypol 16B is a resin having the properties needed in radar antenna housings for guided missiles. Laminates made from Stypol 16B and Fiberglas 181-114 fabric meet the requirements of the Air Materiel Command in all important respects. Aircraft companies are interested in Stypol 16B laminates as materials for radomes and other parts on planes. Stypol 102 is finding increasing uses, particularly as protection for electrical equipment. A thermosetting composition based on Stypol 101 has been developed that can be poured into place and allowed to foam spontaneously. Other Metallurgical Programs Metal Working, Pressing, and Welding. Problems in the forming and pressing of low-alloy, high-tensile steel have been investigated by the multiple fellowship on metal working and its donor, the Scaife Co. It has been brought out that circle blank reductions of 65% are entirely feasible when composite dies are employed in drawing. Experimental pressing has demonstrated that nonferrous alloys can also be reduced by large amounts if chemical and physical requirements are maintained to develop definite rates of strain hardening. Lubricants for pressing and drawing are under study. Welding research is seeking the most practical procedure for joining pregalvanized parts. A suitable aluminum alloy has been welded into containers for the storage of light-petroleum gases. Fine Wire and Flat Strip Investigations. The fellowship sponsored by the NationalStandard Co. completed research that has led to the development of new methods of obtaining rubber-to-metal adhesion. Nickel Catalysts. On the multiple fellowship maintained by the International Nickel Co. research is //ell under way on the catalytic behavior of the nickel-sulfur system. Nickel subsulfide, Ni3S2, has received the greatest attention. A method has been worked out for preparing very reactive nickel hydroxide free from adsorbed anions and cations. Other Catalysts. By adoption of the polarographic analytical technique the fellowship of the Davison Chemical Corp. has furthered the correlation of the effects of certain impurities in traces upon catalyst properties.
laborated in the design o£ t h e donor's sulfur plant at Worland, Wyo. The principle of submerged combustion has been applied to a novel sulfur burner in which the combustion with air or oxygen occurs beneath the surface of a pool of liquid sulfur. Progress in Mine-Acid Control. A multiple fellowship supported by the Sanitary Water Board of the Department of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has collected data which should lead to a lucid view of the worth of coal-mine sealing. The acid poundage delivered per day by a free-flowing mine is found to be primarily a function of the volume of flow and hence shows great seasonal fluctuation. Also unsteady are acid concentration or alkali neutralization values. Research is being conducted on the rate of acid formation from the sulfuritic content of coal measures in atmospheres of oxygen and nitrogen mixtures. Mine Acid-Sewage Stream Pollution. Another multiple fellowship of the same donor has been busy in research on the process of purification in mine acid-sewage mixtures and in surveys of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers in the vicinity of Allegheny County, Pa. Even though considerable purification does occur in these streams, the oxygen-demand data indicate the need for sewage treatment. Investigations in By-Product Coke Technology. During the year the reorganization of Koppers Co.'s research programs here resulted in the combination or termination of certain fellowship activities and in the establishment of four new fellowships. The multiple fellowship on coke-plant physical technology has investigated the production of hydrogen-enriched gas from coke-oven gas by diffusion. Studies have
been made by the multiple fellowship on effluents treatment to ascertain the properties of waste liquors from plants so as to facilitate the development of processes to abate stream pollution. The multiple fellowship on gas by-products has been engaged in research on the stability of liquid hydrogen cyanide and some of its derivatives and on the development of new uses for ammonium thiocyanate and various aromatic compounds. The gas purification fellowship has cooperated with the U. S. Bureau of Mines in the initial operation of the coal-gasification plant at Louisiana, Mo. The multiple fellowship on polymers has accorded most attention to the development of relatively stable polymers essentially free from the impurities and reactive groups responsible for degradation during processing. The physical properties of the polymers have been modified to improve their characteristics and to adapt them for new uses. The multiple fellowship on tar constituents has been doing comprehensive research on the physicochemical properties of phenolic compounds. The tar distillation fellowship has investigated the feasibility of a group of physical and chemical methods for separating isomers in the phenol series. The multiple fellowship on tar products is active in research on improving methods for the recovery and purification of solid hydrocarbons from coal-tar distillates. An investigation of the composition of lowtemperature tar has been initiated. The multiple fellowship on tar synthetics has conducted broad studies on the effects of certain impurities and methods of preparation on the activity of phthalic anhydride catalysts. The alkylation, chlorination, nitration, sulfonation, and hydrogénation of alkylphenols, and also the hydrolysis of halogenated aromatic corn-
Applying a new chemically modified starch to acetate yarn
Sulfur, Coal, and Coal Chemicals Sulfur Research. The multiple fellowship of the Texas Gulf Sulphur Co. colVOLUME
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starches have b e e n examined for properties of value in p a p e r treatment, protective finishes, and textile processes.
R e s e a r c h on t h e molecular-weight distribution of polymers pounds have had research. T h e wood preserving fellowship is primarily concerned with p r o b l e m s in t h e production of woods dimensionally stabilized by treatm e n t w i t h resinous materials. Coal-Chemical R e s e a r c h e s for t h e Steel Industry. A p r o g r a m on t h e acid-refining of light oil under the multiple fellowship of the Carnegie-Illinois Steel C o r p . has yielded data w h i c h may lead to significant modifications in this process. An investigation of t h e composition of creosote oil is going forward. P e t r o l e u m Products Basic Studies in P e t r o l e u m Technology O n the multiple fellowship m a i n t a i n e d by t h e Gulf Research a n d D e v e l o p m e n t Co. t h e chemical engineering section particip a t e d in completing a study of t h e fundam e n t a l mathematical theory of petroleumwax manufacture b y t h e sweating process. Research on the effect of intermittent take-off on rectifying column performance in batch distillation was also concluded. A new gas separation process, termed sweep diffusion, has been studied. The chemical section has a d v a n c e d its investigation of the physical properties of petroleum waxes a n d t h e relation of t h e s e properties to the constitution of the component hydrocarbons. T h e organic chemical section is doin^ research o n several phases of t h e physical chemistry of lubricatingoil oxidation. T h e work in t h e catalyst section has centered upon studies of catalysts for cracking hydrocarbons, for synthesizing liquid hydrocarbon», a n d for isomerizing olufms. E x p a n d i n g Uses for B e n t o n e s . F u n d a mental investigation e n organic complexes of bentonite, c o n d u c t e d b y t h e multiple fellowship o£ the National L e a d Co., has b e e n p u r s u e d along trails from its preceding work. B e n t o n e 34 has b e e n studied with regard to t h e production of gels in lubricating oils. Nonmelting greases exhibiting good resistance to w a t e r a n d desirable low-temperature characteristics h a v e b e e n obtained. W o r k has been started on t h e ion-exchange reactions of t h e colloidal clays as related to rheological properties. 1814
Adding to t h e K n o w l e d g e Of F o o d Technology F o o d Varieties. Research regarding t h e nitrate content of foods h a s proceeded on the multiple fellowship of H. J . Heinz Co. F i v e varieties of high-protein cereal for infant feeding w e r e p a c k e d in pilot plant amounts a n d a n acceptance study has d e m o n s t r a t e d t h a t most children prefer these flavorful cereals. S t a t u s of Synthad. T h e multiple fellowship of Baugh a n d Sons Co. has accomplished m u c h in its 1949—50 research a n d development on Synthad, t h e synthetic granular adsorbent for sugar refining [see C H E M . E N G . NEWS, 27,
1594
(1949)].
A
study of t h e effects of use a n d reactivation on the distribution of p o r e volume a n d area with r e s p e c t to pore radius has shown that natural h o n e char suffers a rapid loss of pores w i t h small radii (less t h a n 5 0 angstroms]" as a consequence of r e p e a t e d cycling, while Synthad does not. T h e S y n t h a d t y p e o f adsorbent has h e e n markedly improved, some of t h e products being superior in decolorizing p o w e r t o a n y natural b o n e char tested. Chemicals and A l l i e d Products from C o r n T h e multiple fellowship sustained b y t h e Corn Products Refining C o . h a s b e e n busy in its developmental program on industrial materials obtainable from corn processing. A r a n g e of economical formulations was investigated in. w h i c h zein p r o v e d well a d a p t e d to the manufacture of finishes and coatings as well as textile a n d p a p e r sizes, sealers and adhesives. Researches dealing with glucuronic* acid a n d inositol, t w o compounds of increasing physiological interest, have involved t h e preparation of derivatives. Salts of phytic acid have been of interest for t h e control of trace heavy m e t a l s in acidic food p r o d ucts. Xanthophyll oil has b e e n the s u b ject of a project t o illuminate its constituent sterols a n d carotinoid pigments. Numerous compounds derived from kojic acid h a v e been p r e p a r e d a n d evaluated. Dextrose derivatives in the form of polymeric materials and glucosides h a v e b e e n u n d e r research for applications in a d h e sive compositions. Several modified C H E M I C A L
Textile Researches N e w Treatments for W o o l e n F a b r i c s . Several years ago the fellowship of t h e Albany Felt Co. discovered a new shrinkproofing process for wool. This treatment has reached full application in the p r o d u c tion of baseball-uniform flannel a n d is entering the fields of knit goods a n d other all-wool fabrics. T h e fellowship has recently developed a n effective mildew-resistant treatment for wool. I m p r o v i n g N y l o n Yarns. Changes in t h e nylon industry have led to diversification in t h e fellowship research of the Grove Silk Co. T h e desirability of using oils w i t h antistatic properties on nylon yarns has b e e n demonstrated. T h e practicability of t h e throwster employing polymethacrylic acid in the single-end sizing of weaving yarns h a s also b e e n established. In t h e scouring of nylon lace good results have been o b t a i n e d with alkaline solutions of proteins, e.g., sodium caseinate. G a r m e n t Filling Materials. This fellowship w a s established by t h e Office of the Quartermaster General, D e p a r t m e n t of the Army, to investigate fibrous battings as replacements for d o w n a n d feather types of insulation in arctic clothing a n d other cold-climate equipage. Various textile materials a n d batt-forming procedures have been studied. T h e specific arrangement of t h e fibers to take axial compressive loads offers t h e greatest opportunity for achieving outstanding compression resistance, a n d a process for controlling and orienting fibers in the direction of the compressive force is most promising. New Synthetic Organic Chemicals T h e multiple fellowship on organic synthesis, w h o s e donor is t h e Union Carbide and C a r b o n Corp., h a s followed the p a t t e r n of previous years—the development of n e w products a n d the exploitation of their industrial uses. Some 150 c o m p o u n d s w e r e prepared for further study in diverse fields. Pilot plant quantities of di-2-ethylhexyl sulfide, diethyl propanediol, dimethyl Cellosolve maleate, 6m e t h y l uracil, several alkyl-glycidyl ethers and hydroxyisopropyl glyoxalidine were produced for critical evaluation b y industry. Isoamyl alcohol (3-methyl b u t a n o l ) , a pharmaceutical intermediate, was synthesized. Subsituted amines w e r e prep a r e d for study as textile softeners a n d to prevent gas fading of acetate dyestuffs. Free-flowing salts of 2,4-D acid, completely soluble in hard water, h a v e been m a d e by combining t h e sequestering action of citric acid w i t h t h e solubilizing effect of isopropyl amine. Catalytic amounts of aluminum sulfate effectively prevent t h e discoloration of Cellosize-glyoxal films while they accelerate t h e insolubilization of some of these films in. textile- a n d paper-treating applications. Investigations h a v e b e e n carried out on solvents t o facilitate t h e formulation of economical a n d efficient combinations for AND
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t h e l a c q u e r industry. A study of diluents a n d formulation techniques shows promise of evolving hydraulic b r a k e fluids which fulfill t h e requirements of t h e heavy-duty type fluid. Research has proceeded toward simplifying t h e preparation of dispersion coatings based on vinyl resins.
treated p a p e r is extremely water-repellent a n d resists t h e adhesion of pressure-sensitive tapes, r u b h e r , a n d m a n y other m a t e rials. Improvements have b e e n accomplished i n silicone lubricants for both high a n d low temperatures. A n e w line of silicone intermediates for resins a n d paints has been developed.
Researches on Synthetic R u b b e r I n s t r u m e n t a t i o n for the Synthetic Rubb e r I n d u s t r y . A multiple fellowship of t h e Office of Rubber Reserve of t h e Reconstruction F i n a n c e Corp. has gone forw a r d in its investigations of process-control p r o b l e m s in t h e industrial production of synthetic rubber. T h e scope of this p r o g r a m has b e e n enlarged to include the g o v e r n m e n t petroleum b u t a d i e n e plants. A n u m b e r of instruments a r e being developed a n d certain commercial instruments are u n d e r modification. Several studies are in progress concerning possible methods for use in controlling variables in the lowt e m p e r a t u r e process. Synthetic R u b b e r Properties. Another multiple fellowship of the same sponsor is investigating fundamentally t h e relations b e t w e e n t h e molecular structure and the physical properties of elastomeric materials. T h e fellowship group is in a position to p r e p a r e polymers of a variety of types a t b o t h ordinary and subzero temperatures, t o fractionate t h e products with respect to molecular weight, and to determine molecular weights both osmometrically and viscometrically. Structural analysis is receiving deserved attention. T h e major effort in research on physical properties has b e e n devoted to concentrated polymer solutions. A beginning has b e e n m a d e on t h e acquisition of facilities for t h e study of t h e c r e e p and d y n a m i c properties of whole polymers. Coatings and Coverings
Projects in t h e R e a l m of H e a l t h A Novel Insecticide. A new compound has been added t o the family of piperonyl insecticides b y t h e fellowship o f the Rex Research Corp. This preparation, which can be m a d e more cheaply t h a n the older products, is b e i n g tested in t h e laboratories of U. S. Industrial Chemicals, I n c . P e t r o l a t u m Properties a n d Ointments. T h e multiple fellowship of t h e Chesebrough Mfg. Co., Cons'd., has been progressing in evaluating fundamental characteristics of petrolatum a n d in applying the techniques to practical problems. T h e r e h a v e also been investigations of t h e behavior of chromatographic adsorbents and of t h e oxidation of petrolatum and ointment bases. Work on a n e w absorption-type ointment vehicle was completed. Research o n Orthopedic Appliances. A successful second annual symposium on orthopedic appliances was held by t h e multiple fellowship of the Sarah Mellon Scaife Foundation. Besides finishing effectual designs for several special braces, this fellowship introduced a n e w Fiberglas—Bakélite low-pressure laminate for the construction of n o n m e t a l l i ' oarts of orthopedic devices t h a t has b e e n received enthusiastically. Accomplishments in Chemical Hygiene. T h e multiple fellowship on chemical hygiene, u n d e r t h e donorship of t h e Union Carbide and C a r b o n Corp., has increased its research. It has also presented to wider audiences the philosophy of the
Corrosion Protection. T h e multiple fellowship of Stoner-Mudge, Inc., has improved sanitary linings for metallic containers of food products. Mechanisms of film formation a n d of corrosion protection b y organic coatings h a v e b e e n investigated. Coatings for corrosion protection of structural m e t a l are being evaluated b y atmospheric exposure. Also studied was the effect of t y p e of plasticizer on the dielectric properties of organic films. N e w Types of Floor and Wall Coverings. T h e multiple fellowship maintained b y the Armstrong Cork Co. has carried out a comprehensive investigation of synthetic film-forming materials and has achieved progress in evolving two n e w products.
range-finding toxicological test, by which new chemicals are studied at all stages of their commercial development. Following Industrial Dusts upon Inhalation. T h e fellowship set up by the Biological D e p a r t m e n t , Chemical Corps, Department of t h e Army, is determining the relationship b e t w e e n t h e size of inhaled particles a n d the site of deposition and p e r c e n t a g e retention of the material in the h u m a n respiratory system. T h e n e w information suggests t h a t earlier inferences resrpecting t h e hygienic limits of particle size may r e q u i r e revision. Helping H u m a n Resources. Throughout the fourteenth annual meeting of Industrial Hygiene F o u n d a t i o n one theme was persistently stressed: "Industry must lead or b e led in t h e development of h u m a n resources." I n approaching this goal, the foundation's field investigations went on to expand. This work included six community air-pollution studies. In another project the foundation is attempting to inventory the atmospheric contaminants of an industrialized valley in order that a company m a y assess its contributions to the air-pollution total in t h e region. An investigation of dust exposure in eight foundries was u n d e r t a k e n t o bring this group into agreement with present-day standards. In a cluster of six petroleum refineries there were reviewed working conditions, methods of operation a n d procedures for health protection. T h e r e w e r e opportunities to study t h e needs for enlarged medical and health services in five other companies. Among t h e fruits of I - H - F experience is the growing accumulation of knowledge of industrial m e d i c a l practice i n t h e varied organizations, 350 in number, that constit u t e the foundation. T h e collection and exchange of such information, operating like t h e inflow, catalyst, and outflow of a chemical process, m a k e up one of the foundation's prime functions.
P r e p a r i n g laminated b r a c e components
T h e G r o w i n g Silicone Industry For 11 years t h e chemistry of organosilicon c o m p o u n d s has been u n d e r research b y t h e multiple fellowship sustained by t h e C o r n i n g Glass Works i n cooperation with t h e D o w Corning Corp. T h e p a s t year has b r o u g h t notable advances. T h e physical properties of the rubber-like silicone or Silastic h a v e been bettered. Silicone treatments for waterproofing textiles have been devised. A V O L U M E
28,
NO.
22
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MAY
2 9,
1950
1815
