Chp 1: Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Applications
Introduction to Chemistry for Industrial Application
Role of Industrial Chemicals:
Industrial chemicals play vital roles across various industries, significantly impacting areas such as:
Food production
Health and hygiene
Shelter and protection
Decoration, recreation, and entertainment
Estimated 60,000 to 90,000 chemicals are in commercial use.
Types of Industrial Chemicals
Organic Chemicals
Definition: Chemicals containing carbon.
Characteristics:
Over 90% of all known compounds are organic, primarily derived from petroleum, coal, and natural gas.
Examples: Alcohol, benzene, ethylene, formaldehyde, phthalate plasticizers, urea, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride.
Applications: Key ingredients in fertilizers, plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers, adhesives, inks, dyes, and explosives.
Inorganic Chemicals
Definition: Chemicals that lack carbon-carbon bonds, primarily derived from minerals.
Examples: Hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, aluminum sulfate, ammonia, chlorine, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, borates.
Applications: Used as raw materials for pigments, construction materials, and basic manufacturing processes.
Classification Systems for Chemicals
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) defined chemical products in three classes:
Basic inorganic and organic chemicals.
Chemicals for further manufacture.
Finished chemical products for consumer consumption.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (replaced SIC in 1997):
NAICS Code 325 refers to Chemical Manufacturing, subdivided into various classes, such as:
3251 Basic chemical manufacturing
3252 Resin and synthetic fiber manufacturing
3254 Pharmaceutical manufacturing
3255 Paints and adhesives manufacturing
3259 Other chemical product manufacturing.
Scientific and Technological Development in Industrial Chemistry
Adaptation of emerging sciences including:
Biotechnology
Microelectronics
Pharmacology
IUPAC: Identified 10 emerging technologies in chemistry (2020-2023) highlighting transformative innovations.
IUPAC 2020-2023 Emerging Technologies
Innovations include:
2020: Aggregation-induced emission
2021: Artificial humic matter from biomass, Artificial muscles
2022: Biological recycling of PET, Liquid solar fuel synthesis
2023: Microbiome and bioactive compounds, Sustainable production of ammonia
Important Industrial Chemicals Globally
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4):
Most produced chemical worldwide:
Used predominantly in fertilizers and various chemical processes.
Examples:
To remove impurities during petroleum refining
To remove metallic oxides before electroplating and galvanizing metal
To remove water during certain chemical reactions
To act as a reactant in the manufacture of rayon and nitroglycerine
Ethylene (C2H4):
Over 150 million tons produced yearly;
Used for making plastics and industrial chemicals like ethanol.
Examples:
To produce ethylene glycol (antifreeze), styrene (used to make polystyrene for use as packing and insulation), and polyethylene, one of the most widely used plastics; in fact, about half of the ethylene produced is used to make the various types of polyethylene
To make ethanol for industrial uses; by law, ethanol for human consumption must be produced by fermentation
To produce polyester (like for the polyester leisure suits of the 1970s) To produce synthetic rubber
Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4):
Key in making synthetic fertilizers and food products.
Ammonia (NH3):
Primarily used in agriculture for fertilizers and various cleaning products.
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):
Widely used in paper production, textiles, and cleaning agents.
Examples:
In the petroleum industry, sodium hydroxide is used to increase the pH of drilling mud, making it more viscous.
Some countries use it to help remove sulfur impurities from low-grade crude oil.
The papermaking industry uses it in the digestion and bleaching of wood fibers.
Sodium hydroxide is used for the decomposition of roadkill and, if you can believe CSI, to get rid of human remains.
It’s used in soap making.
It’s used in the production of biodiesel.
It’s used as an industrial cleaning agent, especially in the degreasing of equipment. In the home, sodium hydroxide is used as an oven and drain cleaner.
The food industry uses it in the making of hominy, Chinese noodles, and German pretzels.
Propylene (C3H6):
Important for the petrochemical industry and production of plastics.
Examples:
In the production of polyethylene needed to produce synthetic fibers for indoor/outdoor carpets
In the production of propylene glycols for auto brake fluid, detergents, and paints
In the production of polyurethane for rigid foam insulation
In the production of various types of ABS plastics used in telephones and auto trim parts
Nitrogen (N2):
Used for fertilizers, creating inert environments, and preservation methods.
Oxygen (O2):
Crucial in combustion processes and used for steel production.
Chlorine (Cl2):
Utilized in water treatment and production of various consumer goods
Uses:
To produce consumer and industrial products such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, household cleaners (including bleach and other disinfecting agents), insecticides, and textiles
To treat water in multiple ways:
To largely eliminate waterborne pathogens during water purification in water treatment plants in the United States
To kill bacteria in swimming pools; sodium hypochlorite produced from chlorine is used
To act as a major reactant in the production of bulletproof vests, computer chips, and auto parts
Ethylene Dichloride (C2H2Cl2):
Mainly used in the production of PVC for construction applications.
Chemical Companies in Malaysia
Key companies include:
Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad (CCM)
Finn Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.
Chemfield Sdn Bhd
Pacific Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd
BASF Malaysia and others focusing on various sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals.
Conclusion
The chemical industry is vast and involves complex manufacturing processes, critical for advancements in technology, sustainability, and addressing global challenges in various sectors.