Applied chemistry is defined as the application of theories and principles of pure chemistry to practical purposes which are used in daily life.
The major of applied chemistry consists of laboratories of chemical engineering, materials science and environmental chemical engineering in which we can study and research continuously in many fields such as environmental pollution control, smart material development, health care technology, energy production and storage.
The main aspects of applied chemistry are the development of the chemical industry which can produce food textiles, drugs cosmetics, fertilizers, pesticides, plants, petroleum products, metals and alloys, explosives, catalysts, ceramics and cement, polymers and many more. So, applied chemistry plays a vital role in the betterment of human life.
Chemical industry and its importance
The chemical industry may be described as the industry that uses applied chemistry and chemical manufacturing. They are simply manufacturing companies that convert the raw materials into desired products that can be used in our day-to-day lives and also can be used in other industrial sectors.
For example, the food industry relies on the chemical industry for its packaging materials: modern automobiles depend heavily on synthetic polymers and plastics which also play an important role in the building industry. Thanks to the chemical industry which can convert raw materials into any product that we can use.
Importance of the chemical industry
- Importance in agriculture
- Importance in environment
- Importance in hygiene and health
- Importance in sustainable energy solutions
- Importance on food
- Importance in painting and coating
- Importance in petro-chemistry
- Importance in pharmaceuticals
- Importance in the construction industry
- Importance in the automobile industry
Stages in producing a new product
The chemical industry only survives when it makes a profit. Profits are necessary not only to reward those who invest money but also to fund research and development for new products and advanced technology. A company can’t exist if it relies on old industry and doesn’t improve its product. Therefore it is important to develop new technology and smart products for successive industries.
We can consider the following stages to produce new products for any company.
Stage I: Researching a new product:
The first stage is to generate and provide information and knowledge to reduce uncertainty, solve problems and provide better data on which the management can make decisions. The major sources of new product ideas are customers, competitors, distributors, suppliers, engineers, marketing people, managers, salesman, chemists, etc.
Stage II: Screening
This stage is concerned with selecting the best and most feasible data among the ideas generated in the first stage. The most promising ideas are shortlisted.
Stage III: Concept development and testing:
Here, the selected idea is moved into the development process. For the selected data, different concepts are developed. Out of several concepts, the most suitable concept is selected and introduced to focus on a group of customers.
Stage IV: Business analysis
During this stage, the market strategies are developed to evaluate the market size, product demand and profit estimation for the initial years. Further, it includes proper promotion of the product, selection of distribution channels and budget requirements.
Stage V: Product development
This concept moves to the production of the finalized product. From an operational point of view, decisions have to be taken whether the product is technically and commercially valuable or not. Here, the research and development department plays a key role.
Stage VI: Market testing:
Now the product is ready to be launched in the market with a brand name, packaging and pricing. Before full-scale launching, the product is exposed to a carefully chosen population called the test market. If the product is found acceptable in the test market, the product is ready to be launched in the desired target market.
Stage VII: Commercialization
During this phase, the product is produced in bulk and in a continuous basis and launched across the target market with a proper marketing strategy and plan. This is the stage from which the product diffusion phase begins. It involves the introduction of the product to the public.
