Petrochemical Products
Petrochemical Products Products made from petroleum consist of long chains called polymers Each link in the chain is a small molecular unit called a monomer
Polymer Chemistry Manufacturers of petrochemical products join monomers together to build polymers The physical properties of each polymer is determined by its length and shape, as well as the types of monomers
Polymers
Natural Polymer Examples: These are all found in nature cotton, silk, & wool natural rubber cellulose & lignin (parts of wood) spider webs proteins - made of monomer amino acid – an essential ingredient of living matter
Synthetic Polymers Do not exist naturally – made by people First manufactured in 1909 Process called polymerization – chemically bonding monomers to created polymers Materials are strong, lightweight, heat resistant, flexible and durable
Synthetic Polymers Examples: plastics (like plastic wrap) nylon, rayon, Dacron polyester Teflon adhesives medicines body replacement parts puncture proof tires, bullet proof vests & glass parts in cars, planes, & trains
How has your life benefited from the petrochemical industry?