280 Cellulose 



the results of the authors' investigations of the constituents of 

 the fibre. From these results it appeared that a considerable 

 proportion of the oily constituents were of a ketonic character, 

 and were readily emulsified by treatment with solutions of such 

 salts as sulphite and phosphate of soda. 



The addition of such salts to the ' spinning trough ' might 

 be expected to bring about a much more perfect distribution 

 of the oil-wax components throughout the fibre-substance than 

 is possible by treatment with hot water. The pectic con- 

 stituents, also being further attacked than by hot water, 

 might be expected to be brought into a more favourable 

 condition for yielding to the drawing action of the frame. 

 Experience has verified these predictions, and the working of 

 the process on the large scale has shown conclusively that in 

 the coarser Russian flaxes there existed an undeveloped margin 

 of spinning quality which is fully realised under the new 

 process. As it has also been shown that the weight of yarn 

 spun from a given weight of roving is n ^t sensibly different 

 from that obtained by the ordinary hot-water process, it is 

 evident that these alkaline salts, under the conditions adopted, 

 do not exert any undue solvent action on the constituents of 

 the fibre, but are limited in their action to bringing about the 

 optimum condition for drawing and subdividing the fibre- 

 bundles. The salts are used in the process in the form of 1-2 

 p.ct. solution, the proportion being adjusted to the quality of 

 the flax. 



(ft) The paper-making fibres are obtained from very various 

 sources, largely from the rejections of the spinning and weaving 

 industries (scutching tow and waste, jute butts, spinning 

 wastes, rags and cuttings of all kinds). In addition to these 

 there are a number of vegetable raw materials which are 

 treated directly for conversion into fibre or pulp e.g. esparto, 

 straw, wood. 



