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Professor A. X. Schmidt of the Chemical Engineering Department of City College discusses "Nylon and the War Effort."

Schmidt discusses silk - a necessary material in the war effort for production of parachutes. Silk is only produced in three countries: China produces 70% and Japan, and Italy produce the rest. Obviously, he notes, Japan and Italy will not supply the United States, and China cannot due to their own war effort. Despite the lack of supply there is a solution - Nylon. Nylon is stronger, longer lasting, and mildew-proof. It is superior for parachutes, however silk is still superior in the production of powder bags. Women should save worn-out silk articles for the war effort.

Schmidt warns women against hording silk hosiery. He advises women to only buy hose when necessary and to take particular care of those they have. He also encourages patriotic women to consider purchasing nylons instead.

Other synthetic fabrics Schmidt notes are rayon, vinyon, which is completely water proof, and fiberglass, which holds the same characteristics as glass but with out the brittleness.

Audio courtesy of the City University of New York

WNYC archives id: 71460