what is petrochemical
Answers
Petrochemicals can be defined as a large group of chemicals derived from natural gas and petroleum and further used for a variety of chemical purposes, which are extremely important in modern civilization.
Answer:
What is petrochemical
Petrochemicals can be defined as a large group of chemicals derived from natural gas and petroleum and further used for a variety of chemical purposes, which are extremely important in modern civilization.
Explanation:
◉LET'S EXPLORE MORE
✯Important Petrochemicals
99% of all plastics are created from oil and natural gas, with most being manufactured using naphtha feedstock. Naphtha is created during the distillation process, and is heavier than gasoline. It is one of the most important of all the petrochemicals simply because it is used in the production of plastics. Other important petrochemicals include:
☆Ethylene:
Used in paper, consumer electronics, detergents, footwear, and adhesives
☆Propylene:
Used in paints, furniture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging
☆Benzene:
Creates pharmaceuticals, furniture, electronics, and food packaging
☆Methanol:
Used in thermal insulation and building construction
☆Toluene:
Creates inks and sports equipment
✯Concerns with Plastics
The use of plastics in modern life is extremely widespread, and most products we use today are either made entirely of plastics or have plastic components. These plastics are made by using a variety of petrochemicals and provide us with a variety of goods from single-use saran wrap to components of our cars. Although plastics are used extensively, there are concerns with the sheer volume of plastics being used and disposed of in particular.
◉FURTHER READING
✯What is Petroleum?
Petroleum is referred to as “Black Gold.” This name itself is an indication of its importance to humans. Crude oil is considered to be the “mother of all commodities” as it is used to manufacture various products such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, gasoline, synthetic fabrics, etc. Petroleum or oil has also been the world’s leading source of energy since the 1950s.
✯How is Petroleum Formed?
- Petroleum is formed from the remains of dead plants and animals.
- When plants and animals die, they sink and settle on the seabed.
- Millions of years ago, these dead wildlife and vegetation decomposed and got mixed with sand and silt.
- Certain bacteria helped in the decomposition of this organic matter and caused some chemical changes.
- Matter consisting of largely carbon and hydrogen was left behind. However, as there is not sufficient oxygen at the bottom of the sea, the matter could not decompose completely.
- The partially decomposed matter remained on the seabed and eventually was covered with multiple layers of sand and silt.
- This burying took millions of years, and finally, due to high temperature and pressure, the organic matter decomposed completely and formed oil.
✯Uses of Petroleum
Refined products obtained from crude oil have a number of uses.
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG is used in households as well as in the industry.
- Diesel and petrol are used as fuels for vehicles. Diesel is generally preferred for heavy motor vehicles.
- Petrol is also used as a solvent for dry cleaning, whereas diesel is also used to run electric generators.
- Kerosene is used as a fuel for stoves and jet planes.
- Lubricating oil reduces wear and tear and corrosion of machines.
- Paraffin wax is used to make candles, ointments, ink, crayons, etc.
- Bitumen or asphalt is mainly used to surface roads.