German Jute Industry during 1939–45

Abstract

IN B.I.O.S. Overall Report No. 17 (London : H.M. Stationary Office, 1949. 6d.) the British Jute Trade Research Association presents in co-ordinated form data on the jute industry in Germany during the period 1939-45, which has been given in two earlier mam reports from the British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee and in other intelligence surveys. Alternative raw materials used in this industry during the period were mainly paper; but regenerated cellulose and naturally occurring cellulosic fibres of European origin, such as green flax and green hemp, were also used. The report includes notes on the emulsifying agents, such as 'Emulphors', used in batching jute, on sizing agents in use, as well as products such as 'Preventols' used for protecting starches and jute against mildew attack. The most important treatment used for rot-proofing appears to be the cuprammonium process, and some work has also been carried out on flame-proofing and waterproofing. For impermeable finishes plasticized poly-vinyl chloride, 'Igelit', was largely used, as well as emulsion coatings of polyvinyl acetate, 'Mowilith'. For water-repellent finishes hydrophobic metallic soaps were used extensively, including the proprietary emulsions of waxes and aluminium salts known as 'Ramasits'. No information was collected on the methods employed in bleaching or dyeing jute; but the report includes notes on methods in use for testing paper and textiles, particularly single-fibre testing and mechanical devices for estimating the evenness of yarns.