dustry has been greatly helped b y the u s e of this material in alkyd resins and ester gums. Important tonnages of chlorine and caustic soda are used to make solvents from hydrocarbons. Probably one of the most noteworthy developments of the past 2 0 years h a s been the chemical utilization of petroleum gases. These gases are now used for t h e production of methanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and secondary butyl and amyl alcohols. Ketones such as a c e tone and methyl ethyl ketone a r e made from these gases, as are also t h e newly commercialized nitroparaffins. Diluents to replace toluene in nitrocellulose lacquers are being produced by properly treating petroleum fractions. The newest developments in the production of chemicals from petroleum are toluene and butadiene from which rubber is synthesized. New technological developments will continue to be made and undoubtedly will bring about a demand for new s o l vents to meet special needs, and vice versa, new solvents will be developed which will influence t h e growth of t h e chemical industry in many directions. Synthetic organic chemistry, especially that part relating to aliphatics, appears to be moving forward at a faster rate than ever. It is therefore conceivable that a similar review of the 20-year period b e ginning in 1940 will show even more marked advances in this industry due t o new solvents than those which have just been outlined.
American Institute of the City o f New York Makes Awards H P H E American Institute of the City o f New York, a 113-year-old organization, presented its 1941 gold medal t o Wendell M. Stanley, of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, at Princeton, N . J., on February 6. The award i s for "crystallizing the virus of tobacco mosaic, a feat which has opened u p new fields of research, given birth t o new ideas about the nature of important disease-producing agents, and enlarged the human understanding of life". On the same occasion the institute's annual fellowship was bestowed on Harry A. Carpenter, specialist i n science for t h e Rochester, N . Y., schools for his "influence on the teaching of science throughout t h e Nation, as president for many years of the American Science Teachers Association, and for his long and successful devotion to education b y radio".
Who Makes It? R O G E R H E C Q , 617 West 168th St.,
New York, N . Y., is seeking sources of ra-aminophenol, m-diaminoanisole sulfate, and p-toluylene diamine sulfate.
Plastics in Wearing Apparel H . S. B U N N
Manager, Plastics Division, Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. 30 East 42nd St., New York, N . V.
4 s NOVELTIES and beads, the natural / A plastic, amber, probably deserves t h e honor of being the original plastic used t o decorate the human form. I n the modern sense, however, celluloid was t>he first synthetic plastic used in apparel, Iiaving been made into shirt collars shortly after its introduction in 1868. N o new plastic appeared until 1890 when A. Spittel e r discovered casein, making it from milk and formaldehyde (5). Casein is still familiar a s buttons and buckles, but i t s uses in apparel are otherwise somewhat limited. After the discovery of phenol-formaldefciyde plastics b y L. H. Baekeland a little over 30 years ago, plastics as we now know them—s3Tithetic materials made from purified organic chemicals—began to increase until there are now at least 14 major types usable in apparel. At first these materials were used in ornaments, o n e of t h e outstanding applications being oeads on beaded fabrics which were introduced about 1920 and were made by dropping a phenolic solution on a fabric a n d baking the solution dry ( # / ) ; but few articles of apparel employed the varied eolor possibilities until about 10 years ago. In recognizing the reason for plastics' limited use in apparel, it must also b>e remembered that all known and available at that time were rigid materials. This, then, is the brief background of plastics in apparel. The turning point c a m e simultaneously with the introduction o f the many new plastics which have been placed on the market in the past 12 or 15 years. Four major types of plastics are u s e d : rigid thermosetting materials; rigid thermoplastics; flexible, elastic thermoplastics; and textile fibers made from plastics.
(16); and the same materials in a variety of attractive, transparent, colored shoe heels (IS). Rigid, Colored Thermoplastics The availability of really colorful materials, a feature of thermoplastics, has made them far more important to the apparel industry. Among the thermoplastics which have gained wide acceptance as apparel materials are the cellulose esters, methyl methacrylate, polystyrene, rubber hydrochloride, vinylidene chloride, and polyvinyl esters. Three cellulose esters, the nitrate, acetate, and acetobutyrate, and combinations of glass fibers and cellulose acetate have all been employed t o some extent. Cellulose nitrate collars are obsolete, but cellulose nitrate shoe-heel covers (4) have attracted considerable attention. This plastic suffers the disadvantage of its high flammability and its less flammable homolog, cellulose acetate, has therefore assumed a greater importance. Molded cellulose acetate is used in bracelets, brooches, necklaces, shirt studs, cuff links, hat brims (4), slide fasteners, and buttons (17). Its adaptability, moldabilit}r, and availability in color have all contributed to improvements in such items. Another interesting application is the appearance of glass fibers coated with cellulose acetate for the braided tops of women's shoes (7) and for bracelets. Cellulose acetobutyrate, which has greater toughness than the regular grade of acetate, is employed for football helmets.
Thermosetting Plastics The thermosetting materials appear in tfcie apparel field as casein, molded phenolformaldehyde, cast phenolics, and ureaformaldehyde. All are used in buttons of various types, although several have been applied i n articles which are part of women's ensembles. Representative of tfciese uses are molded phenol-formaldeh y d e in jewels for studding handbag fabrics, the so-called findings; cast phenolics io. handbag frames and costume jewelry MODERN PLASTICS A N N U A L C O M P E T I T I O N
1
Presented at a meeting of the New York Sect i o n , Inc., of the American Chemical Society, N « w York, N . Y., December 6,1940.
135
A flexible, resilient Vinylite plastic is used around insteps of these shoes.
NEWS
136 each half of which is injection-molded to its final shape (SO).
Polymerized Thermoplastics The next two thermoplastic materials are noted for their crystal-like clarity. Both methyl methacrylate and polystyrene are formed from the polymerization of compounds having double-bond linkages. Being glasslike, y e t easily injection-molded, castings of both are used as gems in costume jewelry. Methyl methacrylate is also used in transparent heels for women's shoes, in shoe arches (7), and necklace beads (17). Polystyrene has been a boon to the costume jewelry business, especially since the supply of Czecho-Slovakian glass has been cut off. I t is used as buttons and as attractive gems set in metal earrings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces, tie clips, pins, and even men's cuff links and shirt studs (18).
Flexible Thermoplastics The next group—colorful, elastic thermoplastic materials—has assumed the greatest importance of any plastics in the apparel industry. Transparent, regenerated cellulose sheeting is used in raincoats; rubber hydrochloride, in both raincoats and garment bags. Vinylidene chloride, in the extruded form, is employed in. combination with leather for men's belts and suspenders, women's belts, hats, and dress trimmings. I t is said to resist flexing, being somewhat stiff, but is so new that its commercial career is just beginning (8). The products made from plasticized polyvinyl ester resins have, however, reached the fully commercial stage and bid fair t o be new fabrics for the garment and apparel industry. Their use in shoes, raincoats, and many other items has been widely publicized (19).
EDITION
Vol. 19, No. 3
Functional Requirements of A p p a r e i Materials
the general apparel field, and they form the bases of hundreds of important articles of apparel.
T h e functional qualities of any apparel material are, of course, dependent upon the use to which the material is put. B u t tons should be rigid; fabrics for clothing should be completely flexible. T h e degree of flexibility of a material which causes it to drape properly, as a raincoat should, must naturally be different from that required in a shoe upper. Again, if the plastic is used in any garment or accessory which must flex with body movements, the article must be comfortable. All must be simple to manufacture. They should be durable and easy to keep clean and well groomed. Specific functional characteristics might be exemplified by the requirements that belts stretch, that raincoats be waterproof, that aprons be protective yet easy to clean, and that shoes have long-wearing qualities, comfort, and style. Desired features in the apparel industry are primarily style and, following that, availability of varied surface finishes, a wide selection of colors, color fastness, and low cost. Unusual excellence in factors such as resistance to tearing, scuffing, oxidation, the effect c£ moisture and foods such as lards, oils, and liquids, and the possibility of the development of a novel appearance—all contribute t o greater desirability and therefore better consumer acceptance. The plastic materials which have come the nearest to fulfilling these requirements are those derived from the vinyl esters. Polyvinyl chloride, plasticized for flexibility, has been employed in the coating of waterproof fabrics (14) and has many other interesting possibilities. Vinyl chloride-acetate copolymers have, perhaps, been developed to the greatest extent in
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Synthetic Fibers from Plastics The fourth group of plastic products comprises the truly synthetic fibers. Four are commercial. T h e woollike lanital is a casein derivative (10); soybean fiber is another aldehyde condensation product (11); but the other two, nylon (6) and Vinyon fibers (1), are synthesized all the way u p from t h e simplest of organic compounds. Nylon, which is any of many salts of amines and dibasic acids (8), is an important development and one which has already made great strides in the hosiery field. It is also being used in men's socks (2) and some dress goods. Vinyon yarns have not as yet been used in apparel generally, except in ladies' gloves, but the whole program is under consideration and before long t h e y will put in their appearance.
O r i g i n of V i n y l Ester Resins Vinyl copolymer plastic materials are a comparatively recent development. They are based on Vinylite resins obtained by the simultaneous and conjoint polymerization of monomeric vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate in the approximate proportions of 8 to 1 by weight. T h e polymerization is carried t o the point where the resin has an average molecular weight, for different grades, of between 8000 and 22,000. T h e resulting resins have all the strength and resistance t o chemicals, oils, fats, waxes, and water found in resins made by the polymerization of vinyl chloride alone; yet the combined acetate linkages confer a marked degree of internal plasticity and broaden the softening range of the copolymer resin so that it can b e readily molded, calendered, or extruded over a wide temperature zone. This resin is colorless, odorless, nontoxic, nonflammable, and resistant to almost all chemicals except ketones, certain ethers, esters, and organic acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. I t has extremely low water absorption e v e n upon prolonged immersion and, being thermoplastic, has an initial softening point of 140° t o 150° F. I t lends itself admirably t o use with dyes or pigments, opacifiers, and plasticizers. When one of these resins, having an average molecular weight of between 15,000 and 16,000, is fluxed w i t h stabilizers, with or without pigments and opacifiers, and then calendered, it becomes a semirigid plastic sheet which is widely used in transparent or colored containers for packaging apparel such as men's belts. This sheet, in a color known t o the trade as china white, is also formed between various textures of cloth to make dickeys or shirt'fronts for waiters, bellboys, or men's formal wear. These plastic fronts wear well and eliininate laundry bills. If, however, a copolymer resin with an average weight of 15,000 to 22,000 is fluxed with a plasticizer—any of the lowvapor-pressure, high-boiling-point liquids which are compatible with, but not necessarily solvents for the resin, such as the higher glycolates, phthalates, or abietates—the sheeting made b y calendering becomes a flexible, resilient elastomer. I t has a "lazy" return when stretched but always resumes its original size and shape. I t is strong, tough, durable, and easily washable. T h e major quality is its beautiful clarity, which forms the basis for many applications.
Influence of the Plasticizer Bakelite cast resinoid gives attractive bracelets in very colorful designs.
Basically t h e original resin is highly resistant to chemicals, water, oil, and. grease. The qualities of the plasticizer^.
0 however, alter the properties of the sheeting. Such characteristics of each plasticizer as vapor pressure; flammability; water, oil, and grease resistance; odor; and the degree t o which it can impart uniform plasticity over a wide temperature range determine the choice of plasticizer. The flexibility of the sheeting depends on both t h e choice and amount of plasticizer compounded w i t h t h e resin. T h u s , when special properties are desired in t h e sheeting, the plasticizer is chosen to fit service conditions. Nonflammability, high water resistance, oil a n d grease resistance, flexibility at low temperatures, or excellent electrical insulating qualities are some of the special characteristics that can be obtained with the wide choice of plasticizers available and usable. For apparel purposes, conditions of service are all so nearly alike that relatively few sheetings, containing standard blends and amounts of plasticizers, need be used, thus minimizing inventories. Vinvlite aprons, unaffected by spilled foods or liquids, are easily kept clean.
Less Fugitive Plasticizer Another advantage, found in t h e c*>polymer resins and contributing t o their higher strength and greater permanence, is t h a t not so much external and possibly fugitive plasticizer is required to produce the desired degree of flexibility. The reason is t h a t t h e copolymerized resins are internally plasticized by an inseparable ingredient—the combined acetate linkages. This is in contrast t o polyvinyl chloride which has no internal plasticizer and must always b e externally plasticized before it can even be molded or calendered. These elastomeric, sheeted compounds are made b y fluxing the resin in a heated mixer to add the required stabilizers, dyes or pigments, opacifiers, lubricants, and plasticizers. The hot resin "dough" is t h e n transferred t o a standard rubber mill to produce even better dispersion of the ingredients. Finally, the dough is calendered into sheeting (material thicker than 0.005 inch) and the so-called plastic fabrics or film (material 0.005 inch thick and thinner). Thicknesses run in standard gages, the m o s t widely used being 0.004, 0.008, 0.020, 0.040, and 0.085 inch. The O.004-inch thick fabric is made in essentially continuous rolls up t o 50 inches wide, while the sheeting thicknesses are m a d e in continuous lengths 25 inches wide.
i
/ Cinderella's Slippers Elasti-Glas belts and suspenders are made from elastic Vinylite sheeting.
Surface Finishing Possibilities This material all has the original "calender" finish which is attractive for m a n y purposes, for it h a s an interesting and new surface texture. Several fabricators are equipped t o change the surface finish b y h o t embossing or polishing, and a wide variety of surface finishes are made, especially for use i n the upjter part of women's fashion shoes. M u c h of this material is colored, some is colored and
opaqued t o look like leather; the presspolished black sheeting looks exactly like patent leather. However, A, good deal is transparent and clear. Surface finish affects both color and transparency; for a calender-finish, clear fabric possesses pearly opalescence; while press-polished, clear material resembles a flexible glass. With such a variety of designs possible in a new, useful material, fashion designers have been able t o produce apparel of incomparable style and appeal. Of primary interest to the garment or apparel manufacturer is the ease of fabrication. Elastomeric vinyl plastic sheeting and fabric can be cut and sewed like any textile. I t holds stitches well, but its seams can also be fastened by solvent or heat sealing. The latter is a particularly simple and rapid operation. I t assures completely waterproof seams, and threads can be run through the overlap after heatsealing if the appearance of a seam is i m portant. As with all continuous sheetings, even paper, acute internal corners should be avoided either on the edge or in diecut holes in the material, particularly when the two sides of the angle are under tension from any cause. T o offset this, these fabrics have been so improved in the past few months that they have seven times the resistance to tearing of other c o m parable materials. T h e flex resistance of this vinyl elastomer has also been s o increased that flexures of over 3,000,000 d o not cause failure—an added factor t h a t assures long-wearing qualities. The most important commercial applications of vinyl elastomers in the apparel field are shoes, men's haberdashery, and waterproof clothing. M a n y additional uses are in sight or in the semicommercial stage.
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:.._' I MODERN PLASTICS ANNUAL COMPETITION
Transparent or opaque raincoats and umbrellas are made of Vinylite fabric.
137
In women's shoes, vinyl elastomers were introduced as an alternative or supplementary material rather than as a leather substitute. T h e limitless design possibilities of the material easily justified its introduction in expensive fashion shoes, and subsequent styling has followed suit by using the material in its most attractive forms. Transparent Cinderella slippers were at first featured (15), but now the material is used for toes, sides, heels, in sections, bows, trim, or however best its color or transparency will produce a pleasing result. Plain designs, complex designs embossed with various patterns, and use in combination with suedes, gabardines, and leathers have all made their appearance. Because the material is waterproof, most designs have been perforated t o allow air to relieve overheating. The problem has been satisfactorily solved b y perforation, and the stretchability of t h e vinyl material makes such shoes more comfortable than m o s t other types. Fewer sizes m a y be possible now that shoe
NEWS
138 uppers can be made to give with foot movements. The same designs, more practical as regards style, are also being followed to some extent in women's everyday shoes. In such a market, potentially low cost, ease of keeping clean, and durability of the plastic material assure its continued favor. The material can be handled on standard shoemaking machinery and is sealed satisfactorily with special adhesives. Sewed shoes are feasible and were the first to reach the market, pending the development of a suitable cement. The material can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and the high scuff resistance means long life. In other parts of milady's ensemble, this plastic material has also given designers a free rein. The trim of hats, gloves, and handbags, and entire belts and wristwatch straps have all been made of vinyl elastomers, in both calendered-sheet and extruded-rod form, transparent, colored, or with special textures. All of these applications are highly attractive, some being especially beautiful and artistic articles, thanks to the talents of gifted fashion designers. The durability and resistance to scuffing obtainable in these vinyl materials have also justified their use in scuffproof tips for children's shoes. These shoes are reasonable and, while attractive styling is little justification for the material's use, the fact that the plastic will withstand hard wear makes the shoes most desirable from t h e parents' point of view. They are also easy to clean, and the elasticity of t h e material makes it possible for children to wear the shoes long after they would have outgrown regular types.
Men's Wear Another apparel application—that in which vinyl materials were first introduced to the apparel field—is in men's haberdashery items such as belts, suspenders, garters (12), and now watch straps and chains, and even wallets. In the first three types of articles the elasticity of the plastic makes it comfortable, for it conforms to body movements easily, without snapback. Strength, durability, good appearance, and considerable novelty in t h e transparent articles have contrib-
EDITION
Vol. 19, No. 3 Waterproof Garments
Stiff shirt fronts are embossed in Vinylite with the pattern of any chosen fabric. uted to such a wide demand that production facilities are taxed to the utmost. The belts were made originally from calendered sheeting. Now, in addition, some, braided of extruded rodlike stock, are exceptionally beautiful and practical, and well within reasonable retail price ranges. Men's sport shoes are another field that has been considered in connection with the calendered sheeting. Many sample and made-to-order pairs have shown that they are most comfortable and long wearing. The design possibilities again are unlimited. Production of these shoes in quantity has been deferred for a few months, however, until more material is available. It is nevertheless expected that golf shoes and others for summer sportswear will be made available generally in the not-too-distant future. Moreover, because any type and grain of leather can be simulated in these vinyl elastomers, men's shoes for formal wear and perhaps everyday shoes will eventually be made. The ease of cleaning the plastic would then save many n shine.
The fact that vinyl plastic will shed water, with extremely low absorption, gave rise naturally t o its use in waterproof garments such a s raincoats and rain hats. Fabrics for such garments are thin, 0.004 inch being the most satisfactory to bestow better-than-average wearing qualities and still be light in weight. The high-molecular-weight material has a resistance to tearing which was good six months ago and since has been markedly improved. This fabric is remarkable in its strength and ability to withstand hard service. Raincoats are made of the calender-finish, clear stock, which is frosty in appearance, or in calenderfinish, transparent colors such as brown and emerald. Golf jackets made of the same materials serve as excellent windbreakers and are warm. Besides the qualities which contribute to the demand for and success of the raincoats, the golf jackets can be folded into a compact package which can be carried easily in a large pocket. They are easy to clean by washing in cold or lukewarm water, and dry rapidly. Because of these same qualities, too, this material is being used for smocks, aprons, smoekets, and make-up capes. The make-up capes have caused many favorable comments because cosmetics can be removed so easily from the plastic fabric. The material does not stain and affords complete protection even t o the daintiest dress fabric should liquids, powders, rouges, or other cosmetics be spilled. The light weight of the capes means comfort to the wearer, while the durability and easy washability mean economy to the beauty shop.
Many Additional Uses A tremendous number of simil- r apparel articles of the material have been
j
The high index of refraction of Bakelite polystyrene causes these molded gems to sparkle like the real minerals.
Women's belts of elasticized Vinylite are studded with plastic gems.
February 10, 1941 planned by fabricators and among those approaching t h e commercial stage are hose supporters, hosiery heel protectors, garter waists, lingerie straps, sleeve protectors, knee pads, shower caps, half rubbers, and ponchos. This is only a beginning and those in the apparel industry will undoubtedly think of many articles which the chemists have overlooked. There are also many articles akin to apparel, which are not actually worn. Umbrellas, cosmetic bags, watch chains, shoe bags, mothproof garment bags, and laundry bags are a few that are being made of vinyl elastomers, some formed by calendering, some by extrusion. Most of these articles take advantage of the protective qualities of the plastic, but all lend themselves to new and beautiful styling. The feature of transparency also adds t o their sales appeal. Perhaps a mere mention of other commercial and contemplated articles will indicate how plastic chemistry is aiding the apparel field. Shower curtains, bridge-table covers, parasols, draperies and curtains, upholstery covers, bedspreads, slip covers, purse bags for toilet articles, corset laces, crib, baby carriage, and hospital sheeting, bibs, bathing suit and beach bags, fisherman's waders, bathing floats and novelties, razor strops, and even dog collars are on the list. Many of these, such as t h e upholstery covers and shower curtains (£), are already on the market in limited quantities, but they must undergo an. extensive series of service tests to prove their suitability to particular uses before they can be sold generally. Such tests are progressing rapidly and all of these items will eventually appear on the counters of retail stores.
Vinyl Textile Fibers One more application of vinyl plastics promises to be extremely important in the apparel industry. This is the synthetic textile fiber spun from an acetone solution of copolymerized vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, essentially the same resin discussed above. These Vinyon fibers and yarns started their commercial career a little over a year ago in the form of chemical filter cloths. As such they have proved admirable. They are unaffected b y most chemicals, are long wearing because the fibers are as strong as dry silk yet lose no strength when wet, and, while t h e y cannot be used at temperatures above 150° F., they can be shrunk under close control in hot-water baths to yield almost any desired porosity. A uniform, controlled porosity is, of course, of the highest importance in filtering operations. The principal factor withholding articles made with Vinyon yarn from the apparel field is the lack of spinning equipment. Experimental bathing suits, men's hose, corsetry, and the goal of all synthetic
NEWS
EDITION
139
yarn manufacturers, women's hosiery, have been made and worn, and all appear t o have much merit. The dyeing situation has been solved satisfactorily. The chemical resistance of these materials presented a knotty problem in making dyes attach themselves permanently.
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(10) Atwood, F. C , Ind. EVQ. Chem., 32, -154?-(1940). (11) Boyer, R. A., Ibid., 32, 1549 (1940). (12) Bunn, H. S., Bakelite Rev., 11, No. 4, 3 (January, 1940). (13) Catalin Corp., Modern Plastics, 18, No. 3, 3 (November, 1940). (14) B. F. Goodrich Co., Akron, Ohio, "New K-Treated Waterproof Fabrics'*. (15) Howell, R., Modern Plastics, 17, No. 12, 34 (August, 1940). (16) Main, E., Ibid., 17, No. 8, 49 (April, 1940). (17) Ibid., 17, No. 11, 32 (July, 1940). (18) Modern Plastics Annual Competition, Ibid., 17, No. 3, 79 (November, 1939). (19) Ibid., 18, No. 2, 80, 81, 99 (October, 1940). (20) Riddell, J., Ibid., 18, No. 3, 42 (November, 1940). (21) Shannon, H. D., Bakelite Corp., private communication.
Progress Is Made by National Roster of Scientific Personnel
Newest use of plastics in apparel is Vmylite braiding and fabric in hats. Special dj'es tnat can be used with regular equipment are now, however, available for producing a variety of colors. It is, of course, also possible to produce yarn pigmented in the spinning solution, but this places a limitation on its later suitability. As soon as equipment for producing the fine-denier material becomes available, these synthetics will be placed on the market. Plastics manufacturers are reaching a turning point in their history. Where formerly plastics have been thought of as raw materials used only by courtesy of engineering specifications, now they can be handled by any one who may desire to fabricate them as he would any textile. They are entering a consumer market that will establish them even more firmly as useful chemical products. Literature Cited (1) Anon., Chem. & Met. Eng., 46, No. 11, 682 (1939). (2) Anon., Cotton (Atlanta), 104, 136 (September, 1940). (3) Anon., "Vinylidene Chloride Makes Appearance in Textiles", Daily News Record, p. 1 (October 23, 1940). (4) Anon., du Pont Plastics Bull., 1, No. 4, 3 (1939). (5) Anon., Fortune, 13, No. 3, 69 (March, 1936). (6) Ibid., 22, No. 1, 57 (July, 1940). (7) Anon., Modern Plastics, 18, No. 1, 41 (September, 1940). (8) Anon., Rayon Textile Monthly, 21, No- 9, p. 59 (527) (September, 1940). (9) Anon., Retailing and Home Furnishings, p. 26 (November 4, 1940).
T ^ H E National Roster of Scientific and Specialized Personnel is making gratifying progress according to James C. O'Brien, executive officer. As of January 6, 1941, approximately 165,000 questionnaires had been mailed to persons in 21 scientific fields. Of these approximately 85,000 had been returned. Additional circulation is going o n continually and in the immediate future the numbers given above will be substantially increased. Coding the information on the questionnaires is proceeding as rapidly as possible and the information is being transferred to punch cards. Requests from governmental agencies for information concerning persons with scientific and specialized qualifications are being received. e^©
J. T. Baker Chemical Co. Offers Analytical Chemistry Fellowship H T H E J. T. Baker Chemical Co. MidWestern Fellowship for Research in Analytical Chemistry is again offered for the academic year 1941-42. Applications should be sent to the chairman of the committee before March 1, 1941. The committee consists of H. H. Willard, chairman, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, I. M. Kolthoff, G. F. Smith, V. W. Meloche, and M. G. Mellon. Further information can be obtained from members of the committee.
&*&& J. HE Ellis Laboratories, 92 Greenwood Ave., Montclair, N. J., chemical consulting organization founded by the late Carleton Ellis, are being continued with Bertram Ellis, son of its founder as president. Bertram Ellis has been head of the company for some time past. e*sr^>
JMLONSANTO Chemical Co. is launching a program t o study uses for plastics materials to free strategic metals for defense needs.
