Synthetic resins and their raw materials / A survey of the types and uses of synthetic resins, the organization of the industry, and the trade in resins and raw materials, with particular references to factors essential to tariff consideration. Under the general provisions of section 332, title III, part II, Tariff act of 1930.

by United States Tariff Commission

Materials displaced by synthetic resins.

The wide range of uses to which synthetic resins are now applied implies that the materials displaced are numerous. For example, cast or wrought iron or steel is displaced in timing gears and in many small machine parts, such as cradle-type telephones; nonferrous metals in small machine parts and novelties, such as inexpensive bracelets; glass in lamp shades and in cosmetic containers; natural resins in lacquers; plastics, such as cellulose acetate in safety glass or cellulose nitrate in colored lacquers; other adhesives in bonding plywood; and cork or metal in bottle closures.

In general, the quantity of material displaced is a very small part of that material’s total market. Frequently, however, industries producing the finished product have had to make substantial changes in their equipment in order to use synthetic resins. This has been true in the button industry, in the bottle closure industry, in the varnish and lacquer industry, and in the various electrical supply industries; and readjustment is now proceeding in the fancy container industry and in the safety glass industry.