Lesson 1: Summary
Industrial chemistry
- Deals with the large-scale production of essential chemicals and materials from raw natural resources.
- Key industrial chemicals like ammonia, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and sodium hydroxide are vital for industries such as agriculture (fertilizers), manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
- The processes like the Haber Process (for ammonia), Contact Process (for sulfuric acid), and Solvay Process (for sodium carbonate) are critical for producing chemicals that support industrial development.
- Industrial chemistry also focuses on local industries, including glass, cement, and food preservation.
- Sustainable practices are emphasized to minimize environmental impacts, such as pollution and the depletion of non-renewable resources.
Polymers
Are large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers. These can be natural polymers (e.g., cellulose, proteins) or synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics, nylon).
Polymerization reactions
- Are the processes through which these polymers are formed, either through addition polymerization or condensation polymerization.
- Polymers play a crucial role in many industries, including packaging, textiles, automotive, and electronics. The demand for biodegradable and sustainable polymers is growing due to environmental concerns, as conventional plastics contribute significantly to pollution.
- Thermoplastics and thermo setting polymers are the two primary categories, with thermoplastics being reusable through melting.
- Environmental chemistry focuses on the chemical interactions within the natural environment and the impact of human activities. It examines components of the environment—atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere—as well as natural cycles like the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
A major focus
- Is on environmental pollution, including air, water, and land pollution caused by industrial activities. Global issues like climate change and global warming are explored, along with the role of greenhouse gases.
- Green chemistry aims to develop sustainable and Eco-friendly processes that minimize hazardous waste and environmental damage, encouraging cleaner production methods to mitigate environmental degradation.