Urea resins.—The output of urea resins in Germany is relatively small; two of the more important types are known as Locron and Pollopas.
Polystyrene and vinyl resins.—In 1936 Germany’s production of thermoplastic resins exceeded 1 million pounds, principally of the polystyrene and vinyl types. Among the vinyl resins are Acronal and Mowilith, both of which are manufactured by the I.G. Farbenindustrie. This combine also produces several types of polystyrene resins known as Mollit and Metastyrol. Dynamit A.G. produces a polystyrene resin known as Trolitul.
Uses of synthetic resins.
The original and most important use of synthetic resins in Germany was for electrical insulation. This use was so extensive that the industry was organized in 1924 into an association known as non-rubber insulation materials industry. Materials were standardized and classified into 14 types, of which 5 were tar-acid resins and 1 was a urea resin. Every type must meet certain specifications in order to be recognized by the Reich Testing Institute. More than 100 firms produce insulating materials meeting the institute’s specifications.
Radio panels of the popular sets sponsored by the Government are made of synthetic resins. Consumption in the automobile industry is increasing for such parts as instrument panels, electrical equipment, steering wheels, gear-shift knobs, and numerous others. The latest airplanes show increased use of synthetic resins, where they contribute light weight, great strength, and resistance to corrosion.
In cameras and moving-picture equipment, wood and metal have been in part replaced by synthetic resins. Other applications of resins in Germany include bearings for rolling mills, goggles and spectacles (including the lens), and perfume and medicine bottles.
Resins for surface coatings are undergoing rapid development in Germany, owing to the shortage of linseed oil. Alkyd resins in coatings are being promoted by the Government, which prohibits or limits the use of the older oil-type coatings for certain uses so as to decrease the use of linseed oil and other paint oils that must be imported and hence require outlays of foreign exchange. Penalties have been imposed for violating the regulations.[13]
Organization.
The synthetic-resin industry in Germany is a unit within the national industrial organization. It is a subdivision of the industrial chemical group, called Fachgruppe Kunststoffe, or Group 13 of the 19 trade groups in the chemical division. This subdivision controls casein and cellulose plastics as well as synthetic resins, and is further divided as follows: (1) Casein plastics, (2) cast phenolic resins, (3) molding compositions, (4) resins for lacquers, (5) celluloid and zellon, (6) transparent sheeting, (7) linoleum, and (8) miscellaneous (such as vulcanized fiber, bottle caps, and die-casting resins).
There are two cartels distinct from the national organization, which expressly excludes all functions and activities of cartels. One cartel represents the firms interested in molding compositions and the other those interested in synthetic resins for other purposes. Some of the producers are members of both cartels.