Petrochemical Products We Use in Daily Life
“Let`s examine together which products containing petrochemicals we use in daily life.”
Kimsan Petrokimya
Petrochemicals are synthetic materials derived from oil and natural gas. Although it may not mean much when you say it like this, petrochemicals are actually included in a wide range of products that we use every day. Plastics, adhesives, paints, detergents… These are just a few of the petrochemical products. The end products, which emerge through numerous processes, are so different from the raw material that it is really difficult to distinguish which one contains petrochemicals.
Teflon
Teflon, which is found in almost every kitchen, is a material produced from petrochemicals. Teflon, which finds its place in many industries with its heat-resistant, fireproof and non-stick structure, is among the most preferred materials with its easy-to-process and durable structure. It also has less friction than most solid materials. Teflon, which we easily use in our kitchens with all these features, is also frequently preferred in space research, defense industry and industrial products.
Diaper
Polymer, a petrochemical product, has taken its place in our daily lives with its super absorbent feature. Baby diapers used all over the world are also produced using super absorbent polymers. This petrochemical product, which is also included in adult diapers and sanitary pads, has the ability to absorb liquid up to hundreds of times its own weight. Turkey's giant petrochemical producer, PETKİM, alone meets a significant part of the industry's raw material needs today with its production of Polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic polymer.
plexiglass
Plexiglass, also known as plastic glass, is one of the materials that petrochemistry has brought into our daily lives. In addition to its glass-like structure, the fact that it is stronger and easier to process than glass makes plexiglass more advantageous. Plexiglass, which has a wide range of uses, from furniture to bathroom and kitchen accessories, from jewelry to boat and yacht decoration, can be easily shaped by softening at 90 degrees.
Paint and cosmetic products
The colors we use in our daily lives are also one of the products that come into contact with petrochemicals. Petrochemicals, which are present in most of the paints used around us, give color to every product, from industry to furniture. In addition, cosmetic products such as lipsticks and perfumes that many people use every day, and the pens we hold in our hands, also contain petrochemical materials. MEG (mono ethylene glycol) and PA (phthalic anhydride) products produced by PETKİM are used extensively in the paint industry.
Toothbrush, detergent and soaps
Petrochemicals, which are also included in cleaning products, are also found in the toothbrushes, detergents and soaps we use every day. The petrochemical material called olefins helps clean oil and dirt residues by providing foaming in detergents and soaps. On the other hand, fire-fighting foams are also in the fields of interest of petrochemicals. Polypropylene and caustic product produced in PETKİM is used in the hygiene sector.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a very thin fabric with 1.4 billion pores per square centimeter. Produced from durable materials such as nylon or polyester, Gore-Tex's molecules are so small that while liquid water particles cannot pass through, vapor molecules can easily pass through. This fabric keeps water, snow and wind out, while allowing the water vapor accumulated inside to escape. Gore-Tex, which is in demand from many industries with these features, also offers successful results for those interested in outdoor sports. Polyester fiber, a textile product, is produced from PTA (pure terephthalic acid) and MEG (mono ethylene glycol) products produced in PETKİM.
Rubber
The rubber we use in almost every field is actually a material obtained from trees. Rubber, which is used in many sectors with its elastic and durable structure, can also be produced synthetically using petrochemistry. Rubber, which has a wide range of uses from automotive to industry, from construction to home electronics, is also included in our shoes. C4 product, one of the main raw materials of rubber, is also produced in PETKİM.
Nylon
Here we come to the widest material affected by petrochemicals. Polyamide, also known as nylon. Nylon, a petrochemical material resistant to heat, abrasion and chemicals, is present in every environment we find in our daily lives. C4 raw material used in the production of Nylon 6 is produced by PETKİM. Clothes, packaging, bags... Plastic products, which are everywhere we touch and see, describe the place of petrochemicals in our lives very well.
If we take it in its broadest form, our petrochemical house contains petrochemical products in many areas such as computer equipment, furniture, carpets, curtains, lamps, windows, walls, toothpaste, shampoos, clothes and shoes.