Commodity Chemicals

Explosive materials are reactive substances that are energetically unstable and so produce a rapid expansion of the material. This is often accompanied by a loud noise, flash of light or heat that is characteristic of an explosion. Low explosives are used to produce products such as fireworks and gunpowder, whereas high explosives produce stronger explosions requiring careful supervision and are used in mining, demolition and by the military.

Inorganic chemicals are formed from the elements and can generally be described as any chemical that is not derived from living matter. They include substances such as ammonia, chlorine, hydroxide, and sulfuric acid. Inorganic chemicals are produced by the chemical industry and synthesised to create the materials, chemicals and gases that are needed for manufacturing.

An organic chemical can be defined as a chemical compound whose molecules contain carbon, they are produced in vast quantities and most are derived from natural gas or petroleum. Organic chemicals produced for industry include Syngas, Ammonia and Methanol. They are used to produce materials such as Polyethylene and PVC used in the production of pipes, windows and many other products.

Petrochemicals are chemicals obtained from petroleum, natural gases or other sources and are an essential product of the chemical industry. The range of petrochemicals available includes Ethylene, Propylene and Benzene. The derivative products of petrochemicals are used to produce a variety of products including plastics, resins, rubbers and textiles.

Plastic is derived from petrochemicals or made of renewable materials. It's a malleable and moldable material that's used to produce thousands of products, from toys to building materials. Low cost, versatility and ease of manufacture make plastic an essential resource in today's world.

Resin is a liquid organic polymer that hardens permanently and is used in the production of adhesive, varnishes, plastics and other products. Epoxy Resin is seamless, waterproof and stronger than concrete. Polyester resins are used in bulk moulding, sheet moulding and the manufacture of textiles. Resin is an essential material for manufacture and is used in the production of thousands of products.

Rubber consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene (with other organic impurities including water). It is used in a wide range of manufacturing processes that require rubber moulded products, in adhesives and in applications that require resistance to abrasion. Common rubber products include insulation, friction tapes, vehicle tyres, conveyor belts, pump housing, medical gloves, piping, matting, and flooring.

Synthetic rubbers are polymers synthesises from petroleum by-products. The expansion of the motor industry created a need for the production of rubber on a large scale, that was currently being fulfilled by the markets natural rubber stocks. Synthetic rubbers are used to produce an enormous range of products, from fan belts to building materials.

Other products that didn't quite fit into any of the above categories.