Question

Name two raw materials used in the petrochemical industry and state two advantages of petrochemical products.

Answer 1

Hint:
i) It is also known as petroleum distillates.
ii) It is a chemical product.
iii) It is obtained from refining petroleum.

Complete answer:
Petrochemicals is a chemical product which is obtained from refining petroleum which is obtained from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. The formation of petroleum started millions of years ago when the plants, algae and plankton drifted in the oceans. After the death of these organisms they sank into the seafloor and with the passage of time they were buried and crushed under millions of tons of sediment and plant debris.

The organic matter which was pressed in between the Earth’s mantle faced very high temperatures covered by millions of tons of rocks and sediments above it. The absence of oxygen in these climatic conditions started transforming the organic matter into a waxy component termed as kerogen which transformed into hydrogen and carbon in the presence of heat and pressure. For example coal, peat, natural gas etc. The petroleum then seeps out to the surface of the Earth where there is low pressure and collects in a reservoir known as Oil-in-place.

The important raw materials used in the petrochemical industry are benzene and ethylene. The significant advantage of these materials are:
i) It is a very durable product which exists for a long period of time.
ii) It is economical as well which has replaced the traditional raw materials.
iii) They are used for the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, dyes, lubricants etc.
iv) They are also used in spraying products.

Note:
i) Reliance is known to be the largest petrochemical industry in India.
ii) Petrochemicals were introduced in India in the year 1970s.
iii) In India FDI in case of petrochemical products is allowed through approval route upto 100%.