Printing is also used for coloring and pattern effects in very much the same way as for cotton goods. After printing the goods are submitted to a dry steam heat which sets the colors.
Finishing
Beyond dyeing or printing, silk goods require very little finishing other than calendaring by passing through rollers. Some types of fabric require softening and others, hardening—accomplished in a variety of ways too numerous to describe. Many of these are secret processes perfected and patented by individual companies. A multitude of different effects can be obtained by these various treatments of the surface of the goods.
CHAPTER VI
ARTIFICIAL SILK
1. Early Development
Chardonnet
The discovery of what is known as “artificial silk” is generally attributed to a Frenchman, Count Hilaire de Chardonnet, who after many years of research and experimentation, between 1840 and 1890, finally perfected a fibre that possessed the necessary qualities for practical weaving. He introduced his discovery to the public in 1891 at the Paris Exposition, and in addition to winning the “Grand Prix” was also made a knight of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to science and industry.
Further Development
Since that time others have contributed to the development of the new fibre and discovered other methods of production—all, however, based on the same general principle as the Chardonnet process. Despaisses and Panly, two Frenchmen, and Stearn, Cross and Bevan, Englishmen, are the outstanding names in this work.