Steam cracking is a petrochemical process that breaks down saturated hydrocarbons into smaller, unsaturated hydrocarbons by using high temperatures and steam. This process is crucial for producing ethylene, propylene, and other important feedstocks for the chemical industry, enabling the manufacture of plastics and other synthetic materials.

Steam Cracking

Steam cracking

petrochemical process

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, are organic compounds consisting entirely of single bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in a maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain. These compounds are characterized by their relatively low reactivity due to the stability of their C-C and C-H bonds, making them a fundamental component of fuels and lubricants.

saturated hydrocarbons

Unsaturated hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain at least one carbon-carbon double or triple bond, making them more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons. They play a crucial role in chemical reactions such as polymerization and addition reactions, and are fundamental in the production of many industrial chemicals and materials.

unsaturated hydrocarbons

high temperatures

The chemical industry is a vital sector that transforms raw materials into a wide array of products essential to modern life, ranging from pharmaceuticals to plastics. It plays a crucial role in the global economy, driving innovation and sustainability through advancements in chemical engineering and green chemistry practices.

chemical industry

Ethylene is a simple hydrocarbon gas that plays a crucial role in the ripening of fruits and is widely used as a precursor in the chemical industry for producing polymers like polyethylene. Its ability to act as a plant hormone makes it essential in agriculture for controlling and enhancing growth processes.

ethylene

Propylene, also known as propene, is a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor and is a crucial building block in the petrochemical industry, primarily used in the production of polypropylene, acrylonitrile, and propylene oxide. It is produced through the steam cracking of hydrocarbons and is a byproduct of oil refining processes, playing a significant role in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and other chemicals.

propylene

feedstocks for the chemical industry

manufacture of plastics

Synthetic materials are man-made substances created through chemical synthesis, designed to mimic or surpass the properties of natural materials. They play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics, due to their customizable properties and durability.

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