Quite recently a Pittsburg glass firm has succeeded, to a notable
degree, in producing glass threads of sufficient fineness and elasticity
to permit of their being woven into fabrics of novel character and
quality. Their success is such as to warrant the assumption that
garments of pure glass, glistening and imperishable, are among the
possibilities of the near future. The spinning of glass threads of
extreme fineness is not a new process, but, as carried on at present by
the firm in question--Messrs. Atterbury & Co.--possesses considerable
interest. From a quality of glass similar to that from which table ware
is made, rods of glass averaging half an inch in diameter are drawn to
any desired length and of various colors. These rods are then so placed
that the flame of two gas burners is blown against that end of the rod
pointed toward the large "spinning" wheel. The latter is 81/2 feet in
diameter, and turns at the rate of 300 revolutions per minute. The
flames, having played upon the end of the glass cylinder until a melting
heat is attained, a thread of glass is drawn from the rod and affixed to
the periphery of the wheel, whose face is about 12 inches wide. Motion
is then communicated, and the crystal thread is drawn from between the
gas jets and wrapped upon the wheel at the rate of about 7,500 feet per
minute. A higher speed results in a finer filament of glass, and vice
versa. During its passage from the flame to the wheel, a distance of
five or six feet, the thread has become cooled, and yet its elasticity
is preserved to a notable degree. The next step in the process consists
in the removal of the layers of threads from the wheel. This is easily
accomplished, and after being cut to the desired lengths, the filaments
are woven in a loom somewhat similar to that used in weaving silken
goods. Until within the past few weeks only the woof of the fabric was
of glass, but at present both warp and woof are in crystal. Samples of
this cloth have been forwarded to New York and to Chicago, and the
manufacturers claim to be able to duplicate in colors, texture, etc.,
any garments sent them. A tablecloth of glass recently completed shines
with a satiny, opalescent luster by day, and under gaslight shows
remarkable beauty. Imitation plumes, in opal, ruby, pale green, and
other hues, are also constructed of these threads, and are wonderfully
pretty. The chief obstacle yet to surmount seems to lie in the
manipulation of these threads, which are so fine that a bunch containing
250 is not so thick as an average sized knitting needle, and which do
not possess the tractability of threads of silk or cotton.
[The foregoing information is furnished by a correspondent in
Pittsburg. A sample of the goods mentioned, a tablecloth of glass,
is now on exhibition in this city.
The weaving of such heavy fabrics of glass for ornamental purposes
and for curiosities is no new thing; nor, in our estimation, does
comparative success in such experiments warrant the enthusiastic
claims of the Pittsburg manufacturers touching the adaptability of
glass for wearing apparel. Unless it is in their power to change
the nature of glass absolutely and radically, it does not seem
possible for them so to overcome the ultimate brittleness of the
separate fibers as to make the fabric fit to be brought in contact
with the skin. The woven stuff may be relatively tough and
flexible; but unless the entire fabric can be made of one
unbreakable fiber the touch of the free ends, be they never so
fine, must be anything but pleasant or beneficial, if one can
judge by the finest filaments of glass spun hitherto. Besides, in
weaving and wearing the goods, a certain amount of fiber dust must
be produced as in the case of all other textile material. When the
softest of vegetable fibers are employed the air charged with
their fragments is hurtful to the lungs; still more injurious must
be the spiculæ of spun glass.
However, although the manufacturers are likely to be disappointed
in their expectation of finding in glass a cheap and available
substitute for linen, cotton, and silk in dress goods, it is quite
possible that a wide range of useful application may be found for
their new fabric.]
* * * * *