Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-03-23


a neu method of bleaching Far. BY the Reu
j. B. Emmsit.-On account of the great distress
which prevails in most of the manufacturing
districts, have been induced to present to the
public the following method of bleaching and
preparing fax and tow, by simple, easy, anG
cheap process, whereby it is reduced TO beau
tiful degree Of whiteness, becomes possessed OF
a silky lustrc, and is made sufficiently fine to be
manufactured into the fines. goods. The pro-
cess is as follows: Steep Oh boil the FAX or tow
10 a weak solution Of subcarbonate Of potash or
soda, in order to extract the coloring matter and
resin. prefer the subcarbonatc TO the caustic
alkali, because, however diluted the latter may
BE-, It's powers Of corrosion are so great that il
it extracts the extraneous matter perfectly, it
will almost certainly diminish the strength of
fibre; whilst find that it may be thoroughly ex-
tracted by the former, without producing any
such effect: this have proved by experiments.
Wash it thoroughly from the alkaIi
The bleaching liquor is prepared in the fol-
lowing manner: reduce perfectly fresh burnt
charcoal of soft porous wood, such az willow,
or fir, to a very fine powder, tie il up in cloth
bag Of a close texture; immerse il in cold soft
water, and work il by pressing it with the hands,
until such quantity shall DE diffused through
the water, that on rinsing little Oak through
it, il. she'll be lightly blackened Put into it
the fax TO be bleached, taking care that each
parcel shall imbibe il 10 its middle When all
is put into the liquid, the water on being tho
roughly agilated, ought 10 be clouded by the
charcoal. In bleaching SIX or seven pounds
used about half an ounce. Agitate the liquid,
and press the flax under it several times in the
day, in order to bring the charcoal in contact
with every part After "a hours remove it, and
wiring il well; then put il in a second water con-
tanning rather less charcoal After the same
treatment for "a h6urs more, examine small
parcel by washing it with soap and hot water;
if the color be good remove it from the char
coal liquid, if not let it remain until it is white
Two or three days are amply sufficient, il the
process be we'll conducted. 1t should be spread
we:, on the grass, taking care TO tlrn it FIRE.
quently for few days. The charcoal greatly
disappears and the surface acquires pearly
appearance.
The FAX is now to be rinsed in large guam
tity of water, then to be washed with soap and
hot water till quite clean, the soap must then
be washed out by cold water.
Before washing out the charcoal with soap,
the lustre of the fibre will be improved by steep.
ing it for or 10 hours in water just soured BY
sulphuric acid, il this process be continued too
long, the fibre will be weakened.
The charcoal is easily washed out, the ul,i.
mate fibres are perfectly separated, they are so
much finer than silk that I use them in the Quad.
rant, transit, and micrometers; the lustre is as
beautiful as silk, and the strength Of the fibre is
not at all impaired. 1t takes such colours as l
have tried-pink, blue, and yellow perfectly,
and the finest thread may be spun. The pro.
cess may be performed BY individuals in their
houses, and may give employment, proftabIy to
paupers in the workhouse