LITMIR.BIZ

      In the early 20th century, the first chemical plants based on oil evolved into one of the industry’s most significant innovations. Scientists and engineers sought ways not just to derive fuel from oil, but also to create other components, breaking new ground for the oil refining and petrochemical industry.

      With the advancement of technologies and research, new methods were discovered along with new chemical compounds from oil, such as styrene, a strategically important raw material for producing synthetic rubber. It was first synthesized in 1927, marking a significant milestone in the petrochemical industry. Due to its unique properties, synthetic rubber began to successfully compete with its natural analogue, ensuring itself a strong position in global industrial markets.

      Economic Boom of the Petrochemical Industry

      The beginning of the 20th century was a time of profound changes in politics, culture, economics, and industry. Petrochemical industry was one of the most striking illustrations of these changes, which underwent incredible transformations during World War I from 1914 to 1918.

      Prior to the war, the petrochemical sector was primarily focused on the production of illuminating oils and lubricants. However, the global military conflict required new solutions, ranging from the creation of explosives to modern synthetic materials. This provided a strong impetus for industry development, including research and innovation, laying the groundwork for contemporary petrochemistry.

      During the wartime, with the demand for mass resource mobilization, state investments in the petrochemical industry surged. This led to the development of new technologies and equipment, expanded production scales, and consequently reduced production costs. The emergence of the first polymer materials marked a significant breakthrough, considering their extensive application in modern life.

      This period is also characterized by exceptional collaboration between the state, scientific institutes, and the private sector. National interests and economic needs converged, allowing the petrochemical industry to make a significant leap forward. In this context, World War I not only became a tragic event in human history but also a catalyst for technological progress. This era can be considered the starting point for the development of the petrochemical industry, which has since continued to evolve, adapting to constantly changing global conditions and challenges.

      The mid-20th century emerged as a symbol of the economic rise of the petrochemical industry, a time when enigmatic chemical formulas and engineering calculations became a force shaping the fate of nations and the quality of life for millions. The ever-increasing demand for energy, the widespread use of plastics and synthetic materials, as well as a revolution in pharmaceuticals, propelled petrochemistry to a new level, establishing it as one of the foundations of modern civilization.

      During these years, special attention was devoted to the development and implementation of new technologies. The advent of catalytic cracking, deep processing methods, and new types of polymers enabled the most efficient use of crude oil. This led to a reduction in production costs and an expansion of the product range, from household chemicals to aviation fuel.

      Due to industrial growth, which brought the petrochemical sector along with it, funds emerged for investment in research and development. Major corporations, such as “DuPont” “BASF” and “Dow Chemical” became innovation leaders, developing products that became daily necessities. For instance, the synthesis of the 66-polymer (nylon), which was first conducted on February 28, 1935, by W. Carothers, the chief chemist of the American company “DuPont.” The broader public was informed about this on October 27, 1938. Nylon became the first mass-produced synthetic material and found widespread use in the textile and other industries, replacing natural materials like silk and cotton. Nylon is actively used in clothing production, especially sportswear and casual wear, as well as in accessories, parachutes, string instruments, cables, and other products. Currently, nylon is one of the most used materials worldwide due to its strength, lightness, and wear resistance.

      During this period, there was active government intervention. From infrastructure expansion to the introduction of environmental standards, the state became a key partner of the private sector, providing the necessary conditions for growth and development.

      However, this boom did not go unnoticed for the environment and social sphere. The growth in production was followed by increased emissions and pollution, raising concerns about the long-term implications for the ecosystem and human health. Nonetheless, the economic rise of the petrochemical industry in the mid-20th century can be considered a historical moment when technological progress and commercial success converged, defining the

Скачать книгу