184 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONL\N INSTITUTION, 19 40 



these synthetic materials are very similar to those of rubber, and at 

 least one of these new materials — neoprene — has qualities not found 

 in the natural product, including resistance to oils, greases, chemicals, 

 sunlight, and oxygen. These chemical rubbers are accordingly filling 

 hundreds of needs that natural rubber cannot fill. 



And the fact must not be overlooked that this chemical rubber, 

 which can be used for practiaclly every purpose to which natural 

 rubber is put, is based on domestic raw materials of which we have 

 an abundance — coal, limestone, and salt. 



The important role played by synthetic dyestufFs in the textile 

 industry is so well recognized as to warrant no discussion. 



Of the numerous other synthetic organic chemicals which find ap- 

 plication in the manufacture and finishing of textiles, particular 

 mention should be made of the fatty alcohol sulfates used as de- 

 tergents. Certain of these materials are very similar to ordinary 

 soap in detergent properties, except that they function as well in 

 hard water as in soft water. Such compomids are accordingly a 

 boon to textile finishers, particularly in hard-water regions. Other 

 fatty alcohol sulfates, and also certain alkyl sulfonates, find applica- 

 tion as wetting agents to facilitate dyeing and other textile opera- 

 tions. Still other related materials are used as textile softeners, to 

 impart a pleasing "feel" to fabrics. 



Mention should also be made of improved moth repellents, mildew 

 inhibitors of the type of salicyl anilide, and water-repellent finishes. 

 Of particular interest is the recently developed "Zelan" durable 

 water-repellent finish. The base of this new finish — a quarternary 

 ammonium salt — ^becomes so firmly bound to textile fibers, either 

 chemically or physically, that it is not removed by repeated launder- 

 ing or dry cleaning. 



No discussion of the role of organic products in the textile industry 

 would, of course, be complete without reference to rayon, of which 

 this country produced some 288,000,000 pounds in 1938, and the more 

 recently developed products such as "Vinyon" and the synthetic poly- 

 amides known as nylon. Nylon had its origin in the work on poly- 

 merization and giant molecules, subjects investigated as part of the 

 fundamental research which I initiated some 12 years ago, and which 

 I am happy to say is still being viogrously prosecuted. Most of you, 

 I feel sure, have heard of nylon, and know that dibasic organic acids 

 and diamines are among the intermediates to be used in making this 

 new family of materials. Note that I say "family" of materials, 

 since many different nylons are possible. 



Many of you have probably heard that one of the more promising 

 outlets for nylon will be in the manufacture of yam which, because 

 of its high strength-elasticity factor, will be used in fine hosiery. 



