The need for new fibre sources

1 The context for mid-twentieth century research into alternative protein fibre sources 

The impetus behind research into alternative fibre sources in the 1930s and 1940s was fuelled by the desire to produce economically viable wool-like fibres which could compete with, or complement, natural wool fibres. It is 

2 Blended regenerated protein fibres. This is an upholstery fabric containing soya bean fibre. (Photograph courtesy of Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, from the publication Synthetic Fibers and Textiies (Bulletin 300), Fletcher H.M., 1942.) 

American textile manufacturers were clearly aware of the impact of war on both the supply of unprocessed fibres and the type of textiles required. Wickliffe Rose of the American Viscose Corporation made a speech to the 1944 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) convention in which he identified three aspects of this process substitution of man-made for natural fibres, modification of industrial practice as a result of shortages of natural fibres and intense research into new fibres to satisfy military requirements, which had the effect of restricting supplies available for the civilian market. What was available was of poorer qualify. A 1944 survey undertaken by the Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economics showed how essential fabrics were downgraded during the war .  

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