Abstract
EXTENSIONS to the laboratories of the British Launderers' Research Association were opened by Sir William Bragg on December 1. Mr. W. H. Markham, chairman of the Association, mentioned, in his introductory remarks, that the recent extension of the basis of membership of the Association has met with a good response from the industry, and also that, with an increase of the maximum grant received from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the income of the Association in the coming year will exceed £10,000. The Association, which was formed in 1921, early commenced a systematic investigation of each section of the laundry process. It instituted methods of measuring colour and observing the efficiency of cleansing on washed articles. Research work now in progress includes studies of the fundamentals of detergency, for example, an investigation of the physical properties of soap and alkaline solutions as well as those of the new detergents known as sulphonated fatty alcohols. Work is also proceeding upon engineering problems which are encountered in laundry machinery. The examination of plant, products and materials, of new and laundered fabrics, is a part of the routine work of the laboratories. In addition, an analytical department undertakes the analysis of products used by the launderers. The information gained is published in the form of reports to members, and a bulletin is issued quarterly in order to inform members of the work in progress, etc. The Association has published three books: “Control of Laundry Operations”, “Chemistry of Laundry Materials” and, recently, “Technology of Washing”.
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British Launderers' Research Association. Nature 138, 1004–1005 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/1381004d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1381004d0