History of Synthetic Sponges

Manufactured

Greeks - Were one of the first to practice sponge diving

United States - First manufactured in Key West, Florida because a surplus of sponge fish would wash up on the shore.

Origin of Sponge

Sodium Sulphate to wood pulp

Sodium Sulphate

Sodium Sulphate is the chemical compound, Na2SO4 and is used to create wood pulp needed for sponges. First Na2SO4 is reduced to Na2S (Sodium Sulphide) using waste liquors. These waste liquors are evaporated by using furnaces and dissolved in water and coated in lime residue

1919, Sodium Sulphate deposits were studied in

El Paso Texas and later studied heavily by the Great Southern Sulphur Co.

Origin of Cellulose

Cellulose

Origin

Cellulose (wood pulp) - Processed from mainly hardwood which contains more cellulose. Kraft(sulphate) pulp was used to create wood pulp by cooking wood chips in chemical solutions for long periods of time.

Hemp Fiber Origin

Hemp Fiber Origin

Originated in Asia where hemp was first used as paper. Hemp is a plan based material. Later in the late 1800's, Hemp Fiber was used to make paper and is more eco friendly till today than wood based paper.

Original manufacturing of hemp fiber was used to make animals bed, mulch, and other composites

Cellulose Discovery

Who discovered Cellulose?

Anselme Payen first discovered cellulose. He studied cells of plants and discovered the substance now called cellulose, which is makes up the structure of plant cell walls.

Paris, France

Cellulose was first discovered in Europe by Anselme Payne, who was born in Paris France. He first discovered cellulose in France working as a chemist.

Geographical origin

Where is Sodium Sulphate is sold?

Global Market for Na2SO4

Sold globally in North America, China, Canada, Europe, France, India, Germany,Tiawan,Philippines, Middle East, Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and many more nations, states, and countries.

Main consumers: Europe, Britain, Poland, Portugal

Hemp Fiber Market

Market for Hemp Fiber

Mainly sold in China where most of the market is controlled followed by France. Next are the countries Austria, Chile, and the U.K which are the next top leading markets for Hemp Fiber. These statistics are as of 2019. Around 30 countries produce Hemp and the U.S is in fast production.

Raw Material Cost

Cost in U.S Currency

Cellulose (insulation) - For walls cost $1.75- $3.30 per square foot. While for attics can cost on average $1,507 for having a professional blow insulation.

Hemp Fiber - Ranges to from $7 - $30 or even more per yard depending on the weight and type of fabric

Sodium Sulphate - Can range from $6 - $542 or more based on the brand, grams per packaging, and product type

citations

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“Hemp Textiles Made in U.S. Will Take Time, Experts Say.” UPI, UPI, 7 Aug. 2019, www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/08/05/Hemp-textiles-made-in-US-will-take-time-experts-say/9861564531347/#:~:text=An%20imported%20hemp%20blend%20with,Barbara%20Filippone%2C%20head%20of%20EnviroTextiles.

“Shop Bulk Hemp Fabrics.” Bulk Hemp Warehouse, bulkhempwarehouse.com/bulk-hemp-fabrics/.

“Sodium Sulfate Price,Buy Sodium Sulfate.” Chemicalbook, www.chemicalbook.com/Price/Sodium-sulfate.htm.

“Sodium Sulfate Market 2021 – Industry Demand, Share, Size, Future Trends Plans, Growth Opportunities, Key Players, Application, Demand, Industry Research Report by Regional Forecast: By 360 Market Updates.” SOUTHEAST, southeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/45105779/sodium-sulfate-.

Sewport. “What Is Hemp Fabric: Properties, How Its Made and Where.” Sewport, Sewport, 3 Aug. 2019, sewport.com/fabrics-directory/hemp-fabric.

Taylor, Glenda. “How Much Does Blown-in Insulation Cost to Install?” Bob Vila, 7 Apr. 2022, www.bobvila.com/articles/blown-in-insulation-cost/#:~:text=to%20a%20pro-,Cellulose,to%20%242.30%20per%20square%20foot.

Images:

Hickman, Matt. “What's the Difference between Cellulose Sponges and Those Other Kitchen Sponges?” Treehugger, Treehugger, 21 Aug. 2017, www.treehugger.com/whats-the-difference-between-cellulose-sponges-and-those-other-kitchen-s-4864000.

“Home.” Ubuy, www.ubuy.co.in/product/6ZX2UNNS-creative-hobbies-synthetic-and-natural-silk-sponges-for-painting-crafts-ceramics-pottery-and-more-va.

citations