Learn about the most common industrial chemicals today

The industrial chemical market is expanding rapidly with a wide variety of products in diverse categories. Although these products can be quite hazardous, the benefits they bring cannot be denied. Chemicals are widely used in sectors such as agriculture, industry, laboratory equipment, petroleum, wastewater treatment, and more. There are various ways to classify these specific products, but the simplest approach divides them into three main types as follows:

• Basic chemicals
• Specialty chemicals
• Consumer chemicals

In the following article, let’s explore what industrial chemicals are and the characteristics of the three most common types of industrial chemicals.

1. What are Industrial Chemicals?

Image: Industrial chemicals play a crucial role in our daily lives

Industrial chemicals are produced and used in connection with two significant historical milestones in the chemical industry. First, the emergence of the heavy chemical industry, producing large quantities of chemicals for various uses. Second, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution as a whole. Therefore, the concept of industrial chemicals is often understood simply as any product that originates from the chemical industry. These chemicals have an organic connection to nearly every aspect of human life.

Chemicals have brought about significant changes in the operations of various industries, touching every aspect of life, such as in industries, agriculture, environment, food, sanitation, decoration, and more. Furthermore, they are also significantly used in recycling industries to reduce the reliance on raw materials.

2. Common Types of Industrial Chemicals Today

• Basic Chemicals:
  Image: Basic chemicals are primarily used in the chemical industry

  Basic chemicals are compounds created in large quantities, primarily for use in the chemical industry and other industries. These chemicals are divided into petroleum-based chemicals, called petrochemicals, polymers, and basic inorganic chemicals. Most basic chemicals are used in various industries before being transformed into final products. For example, acetic acid is sold to paint manufacturers and others to create esters.

  A large amount of petrochemicals has been produced with advancements in technology. The primary use of petrochemicals is in the production of a range of polymers. Additionally, inorganic chemicals (about 12% of revenue) are among the oldest chemicals, relatively low in cost, and used widely in agriculture. These chemicals are produced in massive quantities, such as over a million tons per year, including fertilizers containing chlorine, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid.

• Specialty Chemicals:
  Image: Specialty chemicals are the most profitable products

  Specialty chemicals are used to protect crops, in paints, inks, and colorants. They are also highly suitable for use in industries such as textiles, paper, and engineering. These chemicals are the main profit drivers for any chemical industry.

  Specialty chemicals have a relatively high value and grow quickly with a wide range of end-product markets. The growth rate typically matches GDP from 1 to 3 times, with prices above one dollar per pound. These chemicals are sold as effects or performance chemicals. Some examples of specialty chemicals include adhesives, agricultural chemicals, cleaning materials, cosmetics additives, construction chemicals, elastomers, flavors, food additives, perfumes, industrial gases, lubricants, polymers, surfactants, and textile auxiliaries. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, food, cosmetics, agriculture, manufacturing, and textiles heavily rely on these products.

• Consumer Chemicals:
  Consumer chemicals are end-products made from basic chemicals for consumer use. This category includes detergents, soaps, synthetic chemicals for cleaning, cosmetics, and perfumes. The growth rate typically ranges from 0.8 to 1.0 times GDP. Many practical studies show that the production of these chemicals is user-friendly, effective, and environmentally safe.

Conclusion:

Although industrial chemicals can be hazardous, they are indispensable in economic and social life. With this article, we hope that readers have gained a better understanding of what industrial chemicals are and the various types available. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us for expert advice and assistance from our professional team. Lab Cường Thịnh is a reputable provider of industrial chemicals, and we are confident that you will be completely satisfied with our services. Thank you!