Chemistry And The Chemical Industry

As chemical companies strive to be more competitive in the world economy, it is essential that their employees, including sales and marketing personnel, as well as administrative support groups understand the basic concepts of the science upon which the industry is based. The authors, who have over 100 years of combined experience in the chemical industry, developed this easy-to-read book to provide a fundamental understanding of the chemical industry for non-chemists and those poised to enter the chemical profession. Designed specifically for self-study, Chemistry and the Chemical Industry: A Practical Guide for Non-Chemists reviews the important aspects of industrial chemistry in a way that can be easily understood even if you have not taken any formal chemistry courses. The authors provide a clear, concise presentation of the foremost issues behind the chemical discipline along with key definitions and concepts so you can readily obtain an appreciation of the nature of the industry and its contribution to society. Even though you are not at the lab bench, you can still understand, recognize, and partake in discussions about the work being done at your company. Compiled in a straightforward and accessible manner, this book is unique in that it bridges the gap between nonscientific employees and the scientific world in which they operate. The first chapter begins with a description of the chemical industry. It defines the most common terms used in chemistry, drawing on nonscientific analogies whenever possible. In the following chapters, the authors review the concepts and terminology of organic and inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, high volume chemicals, and environmental concerns about chemical production with each subject presented as a graphic representation accompanied by a description. Finally, there is a short compilation of general information sources for further study. Chemistry and the Chemical Industry: A Practical Guide for Non-Chemists will allow you to communicate effectively within your organization and become more familiar with this vital industry.

In the twentieth century, dyes, pharmaceuticals, photographic products, explosives, insecticides, fertilizers, synthetic rubber, fuels, and fibers, plastics, and other products have flowed out of the chemical industry and into the consumer economies, war machines, farms, and medical practices of industrial societies. The German chemical industry has been a major site for the development and application of the science-based technologies that gave rise to these products, and has had an important role as exemplar, stimulus, and competitor in the international chemical industry. This volume explores the German chemical industry's scientific and technological dimension, its international connections, and its development after 1945. The authors relate scientific and technological change in the industry to evolving German political and economic circumstances, including two world wars, the rise and fall of National Socialism, the post-war division of Germany, and the emergence of a global economy. This book will be of interest to historians of modern Germany, to historians of science and technology, and to business and economic historians.

Fred Aftalion's international perspective of the history of chemistry integrates the story of chemical science with that of chemical industry. This new edition includes events from 1990 to 2000, when major companies began selling off their divisions, seeking to specialize in a particular business. Aftalion explores the pitfalls these companies encountered as well as the successes of "contrarians"--those companies that remained broad and diversified. He uses BASF, Dow, and Bayer as examples of true contrarians.

to the Third Edition Following the success of the first two editions of this book in which the core subject matter has been retained, we have taken the opportunity to add substantial new material, including an additional chapter on that most important activity of the chemical industry, research and development. Topical items such as quality, safety and environmental issues also receive enhanced coverage. The team of authors for this edition comprises both those revising and updating their chapters and some new ones. The latter's different approach to the subject matter is reflected in the new titles: Organisational Structures - A Story of Evolution (chapter 5) and Environmental Impact of the Chemical Industry (chapter 9). The chapter on Energy retains its original title but different approach of the new authors is evident. We have updated statistics and tables wherever possible and expanded the index. We hope readers find the brief 'pen pictures' of authors to be interesting. It is worth stressing again that this book is designed to be used with its companion volume - The Chemical Industry, 2nd Edition, ed. Alan Heaton (referred to as Volume 2) - for a complete introduction to the chemical industry. Thanks are due to all contributors and to my wife Joy for typing my contributions.

Background This book provides an introduction to the main sectors of the chemical industry, and complements An Introduction to Industrial Chemistry (sub sequently referred to as Volume I) which covers the physico-chemical principles of the subject, as well as introductory technical economics and chemical engineering. Processes considered include the large-scale production of polymers (up to 1000 tonnes per day for a single plant); the chlor-alkali, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus industries; and the production, on a smaller scale, of dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The rapidly developing area of biotech nology is dealt with under biological catalysis. The consequences of scale of operation are also highlighted in Chapter 7. Each chapter includes common themes, such as brief history, present position, major products and the future. The final chapter links together the predictions made for the future of each sector, to give an overall projection for the whole chemical industry; the quadrupling of oil prices in 1974 and the widespread recession at the beginning of the 1980s provide a salutary lesson about the difficulty of such projections.

There have been several attempts to write the history of Britain's chemical industry as a whole, and countless others concentrating on individual companies. Some have looked at the technical aspects of the industry, whilst others have addressed economic issues. Few have, however, attempted to analyse the effects of the chemical industry on society in general. The current environmental crisis can only be fully understood in the light of its history. This is the first such book to look critically at the whole development of industrial chemistry in the UK in the context of its effects on the environment. No one from industry, government or academia can afford to be unaware of the historical roots of our present dilemma. Industrial chemists can take heart from the realization that their predecessors were remarkably aware of the problems and often found satisfactory solutions. Industrial chemistry has traditionally been seen as the great 'polluter'. Without any attempts at 'whitewash' this book puts the record straight. From academic chemist to industrialist to politician, Chemistry, Society and Environment: A New History of the British Chemical Industry will be of relevance to all those concerned with the social and environmental impact of the chemical industry.

Business Chemistry: How to Build and Sustain Thriving Businesses in the Chemical Industry is a concise text aimed at chemists, other natural scientists, and engineers who want to develop essential management skills. Written in an accessible style with the needs of managers in mind, this book provides an introduction to essential management theory, models, and practical tools relevant to the chemical industry and associated branches such as pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. Drawing on first-hand management experience and in-depth research projects, the authors of this book outline the key topics to build and sustain businesses in the chemical industry. The book addresses important topics such as strategy and new business development, describes global trends that shape chemical companies, and looks at recent issues such as business model innovation. Features of this practitioner-oriented book include: Eight chapters covering all the management topics relevant to chemists, other natural scientists and engineers. Chapters co-authored by experienced practitioners from companies such as Altana, A.T. Kearney, and Evonik Industries. Featured examples and cases from the chemical industry and associated branches throughout chapters to illustrate the practical relevance of the topics covered. Contemporary issues such as business model design, customer and supplier integration, and business co-operation.

Survey of Industrial Chemistry arose from a need for a basic text dealing with industrial chemistry for use in a one semester, three-credit senior level course taught at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This edition covers all important areas of the chemical industry, yet it is reasonable that it can be covered in 40 hours of lecture. Also an excellent resource and reference for persons working in the chemical and related industries, it has sections on all important technologies used by these industries: a one-step source to answer most questions on practical, applied chemistry. Young scientists and engineers just entering the workforce will find it especially useful as a readily available handbook to prepare them for a type of chemistry quite different than they have seen in their traditional coursework, whether graduate or undergraduate.