Petroleum products

Fuels are substances that can burn very easily. Gasoline is one of the most common petroleum derivatives to remember. It serves as fuel for internal combustion motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, to name a few examples.

Some of the fuels derived from petroleum are:

• Diesel: is another type of liquid fuel that is obtained mainly from the distillation of petroleum at a temperature between 200ºc and 380ºc. It is mostly used in large vehicles, such as trucks and trailers. Diesel is heavier and more efficient than gasoline.
• Kerosene or kerosene: is a flammable and transparent liquid used for various functions, ranging from the manufacture of insecticides to being fuel for jet aircraft. It is also used as a solvent and for use in home heating.
• Fuel oil or fuel oil: is a highly viscous heavy fuel used in electrical power plants and large maritime vessels.
• Naphtha or petroleum ether: is a raw material for the petrochemical industry and its main use is as a solvent. It is highly volatile and very flammable.

A lubricant is a substance that serves to reduce friction and wear between two moving and generally rigid surfaces (metal to metal) through a protective layer. A lubricant also has the function of regulating temperature, transmitting force and preventing corrosion.

Any lubricant comes from petroleum and is obtained at 300°C distillation, where the paraffinic and naphthenic bases are separated. The first are those required to form lubricating oils.

It is a flammable hydrocarbon or liquefied gas obtained from the distillation of petroleum. It is, for example, fuel for cigarette lighters and propellant in aerosols such as deodorants. When mixed with propane and other hydrocarbons, it can be commercially referred to as LPG, the use of which is common in daily life.

Detergents are cleaning chemicals that vary the surface tension of water and improve the control of rust, corrosion and resin buildup.

Commonly, detergents are related to cleaning clothing, but there are also those intended to clean and remove impurities from engines and their parts, such as rings, cylinders, pistons and valves.

Asphalts are dark-colored minerals also obtained from the distillation of petroleum, but unlike gasoline or kerosene, these require very high temperatures; approximately 400°C.

It is a heavy, resistant and viscous mixture whose most common uses are in waterproofing coating and paving of streets, roads and highways, thanks to its low water absorbency and its resistance to the mechanical action of disintegration produced by vehicle loads.

A plastic is a very versatile and moldable synthetic material that is also referred to as a polymer, because it is obtained from the polymerization process; that is, the grouping of monomers to transform into a heavy molecule called a polymer.

It is present almost anywhere, since it is used to form packaging, bottles, covers for technological devices, toys, tableware, bags, beach items, etc., etc.

Some plastics take many years to degrade, making them highly polluting to the environment. For this reason, several industries are eliminating its use partially or completely.

Paints are chemical compounds made with resins, solvents, pigments and additives whose purpose is to cover surfaces for decoration or protection. For their part, solvents contain organic products that provide properties to paints, such as viscosity and consistency.

Three different types of wax are derived from petroleum: crystalline or paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and petrolatum wax.

• Crystalline or paraffin wax: odorless, tasteless and solid, and it burns easily.
• Microcrystalline wax: with adhesive, solvent and oily properties.
• Petrolatum wax: this is where Vaseline is derived.

There are many types of fertilizers, but the main ones derived from petroleum are urea and ammonium phosphate; both used in the production of agricultural crops.

• Urea: is the most popular fertilizer. It is a nitrogenous chemical compound suitable for most soil types.
• Ammonium phosphate is an excellent fertilizer with high percentages of nutrients and physical properties that allow favorable results in crops.

Some of the oil components are used as moisturizers, offering protected and soft skin, although some doctors point out that this does not provide benefits, since it only creates a film on the skin that clogs the pores.

Perfumes, dyes, masks, shampoos and cosmetics for daily use such as lipsticks and liquid coverages can also be made with elements obtained from petroleum. The most advisable thing is to read the packaging labels and opt for products that contain natural ingredients.

Glycerol, propylene glycol, dyes, among other petroleum-derived compounds, are present in what we eat; even in what our pets eat.

• Glycerol: is present in kibble for pets, pastries, commercial cereals, snacks, etc. and acts as a substance that preserves the humidity of the products to prevent their dryness and loss of consistency.
• Propylene glycol: also has humectant properties but is more commonly used in frozen desserts, condiments, and packaged cake mixes.
• For their part, colorants: they are made with aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum and are found in a large number of foods, such as commercial cereals, soft drinks, candy, ice cream, syrups, etc., etc.

Polyester, nylon or spandex are fabrics derived from petroleum. They are economical and durable, but also hot and not suitable for all types of climates. They are also more flammable than other types of fabrics, so in the event of a fire they are more likely to stick to the skin.

Tires are made from two main components: natural rubber and synthetic rubber, and petroleum is the raw material for the latter. Its use comes from its resistance to friction, shocks and temperature changes, among other advantages; But on the other hand, they are highly polluting as they produce large amounts of CO2 with friction and do not disintegrate in the environment in a short time.

They are chemical compounds intended for the elimination of pests or pests to protect crops intended for human consumption. Among its components there are highly effective petroleum derivatives, but also with a high degree of toxicity for the environment.

Some drugs and most vitamins in supplements are made or processed with petroleum products or hydrogenated sugars. Although they are easily found, health professionals do not suggest frequent consumption of this type of products and rather a better change in eating habits.

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