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

Resins classified by cost.

At present the resins produced in largest volume are the alkyd resins for use in surface coatings; the tar-acid resins for molding, laminating, and surface coatings; the urea resins, chiefly for moldings; and the cast phenolic resins. Roughly, the price per pound of pure resin material[12] for these various resins may be compared as follows:

Type of resin:	Average sales price of net resin, 1937 (per pound)
Cast phenolic	$0.41
Tar-acid:
For molding	.18
For laminating	.13
For coatings	.17
Alkyd	.20
Urea	.45

Because the cost of the filler is less per pound than the cost of the resin, the cost of the tar-acid and urea molding powders will be less than the figures given for the pure resin. On the other hand, wholesale prices paid by consumers will include transportation and distribution costs not included in the figures of manufacturers’ sales.

Vinyl resins, acrylate resins, and polystyrene resins are at present produced in much smaller volume than those just listed. If and when the volume of production is increased the price may be decreased. In 1937, the price per pound of pure resin[12] was as follows:

Type of resin:	Average sales price of net resin, 1937 (per pound)
Vinyl	$0.69
Acrylate	1.66

Early in 1938, acrylate resins were being offered for sale at 85 cents per pound for molding powder and $1.25 per pound for the cast material; polystyrene resins at 72 cents per pound.

Petroleum resins, in 1937, sold for an average of 2 cents per pound net resin content.[12] This low price puts them beyond competition of the other synthetic resins in the uses in laminating and coating to which they are adapted.