Oil and natural gas are used to produce far more than just the gasoline and heating fuels that quickly come to mind. Petroleum byproducts actually play essential roles across many surprising sectors that encompass our everyday lives. The myriad of products derived from petrochemical refining processes provide critical components, materials, and functionality that support modern convenience as we know it.
Transportation
Beyond being the literal fuel that powers various modes of transportation, oil and gas derivatives make up parts of the complex systems that enable today’s aviation technology, automotives, locomotives and seafaring vessels. From synthetic rubber tires to dashboard plastics to waterproof marine coatings, petroleum prevalence underpins fundamental mechanics. Industrial lubricant oils also minimize excessive wear-and-tear friction. Bitumen, produced through oil refinery, makes up the viscous binding agent in composite road asphalts across highways and streets worldwide.
Aerospace and Electronics
Many mechanical and electrical components housed within aircraft and consumer devices have plastic protective casings, insulators and structural moldings courtesy of petrochemical processors like Trecora. Touch screen surfaces and semi-conducting internal elements especially rely on oil-based graphite, resins and quartz crystals to transfer signals properly. Headphones, appliances and reusable water bottles also commonly tout polycarbonate plastic housing, which originates from petroleum and natural gas constituents.
Sports Equipment and Footwear
From squishy foam soccer ball cores to the rigid carbon fiber frames bolstering tennis racquets and hockey sticks, materials derived from petrochemicals make recreational play possible. Performance apparel utilizing stretchable spandex and weatherproof nylon fabrics allow movement. The spongy infused midsoles touted across sneaker brands pride themselves on shock absorption. Additionally, various spikes, cleats and molded studs that enable athletic traction stem from plastic production reliant on oil and gas.
Medicine and Healthcare
Petroleum’s imprint permeates lifesaving medical supplies and cutting-edge research technology driving healthcare innovation. Disposable syringes, IV blood bags, sterile surgical gloves and bandages applied across hospitals globally contain plastics reliant on fossil fuel feedstocks. Artificial joint replacements and dental fixtures designed for long-term implantation also consist of hardy polyethylene materials. Further revolutionary leaps being made in prosthetic limbs, wearable sensors, swallowable robots and precision surgery robotics are underpinned by petroleum-derived developments that enable biocompatibility, micro-motors and leading-edge tactile feedback.
Food Production and Preservation
Petrochemical derivatives bolster global food supplies through both agricultural cultivation and preservation measures. Greenhouse coverings, insulation foams and ventilation systems work in conjunction to accelerate crop growth cycles. Crops are then harvested into crates, baskets and storage made of plastic polymers before being distributed across durable polyethylene sacks and woven tarps. Once packaged, food lasts longer on store shelves and in consumer homes thanks to air-tight plastic wraps and film coatings extending freshness via moisture barriers. Bottled beverages are also safely contained thanks to hardy soda PET and HDPE material production reliant on oil and natural gas.
Clothing and Textiles
Petroleum-derived synthetics ranging from durable nylon fibers to malleable vinyl polymers revolutionized the fabrics underlying today’s fashions and home furnishings. Wrinkle resistant suits, machine washable athleisure, waterproof outerwear and microfiber blends all trace back to polyester material formulations made possible by petrochemical advancements. Stain-guard coatings and polarized sheens are additional treatments applied to textiles. Fillers including polyester batting and foam cushioning line our couches, mattresses, winter jackets and stuffed toys.
Conclusion
As evidenced across transportation, tech, healthcare, infrastructure, food supplies, sports and clothing, petroleum and natural gases impart lasting impacts through their byproduct materials. While largely unseen, oil and gas derivatives infiltrate virtually every convenience enabling modern daily life. Petrochemical processors unlock an array of essential compounds, polymers, and protective coatings that are vital to countless critical industries worldwide, impacting everything from infrastructure to healthcare.
