Nowadays, Chemical engineering has become a discipline of paramount importance affecting the scientific scenario. It provides an insight into the intricacies and nitty-gritty of chemical principles and theories.
It encompasses skilful ways to apply chemical knowledge and produce worthwhile substances which are worthwhile.
The process of translating molecular information, theories and doctrines into core components is an art which requires abundant practical skills and technical know how.
Subjects studied in chemical engineering courses
A thorough understanding of maths, physics and chemistry broadens the horizon and gives a perspective on various things happening around.
Studying topics like process analysis, statistics, thermodynamics, transport processes, chemical kinetics, fluid flow, heat transfer, reactors, molecular simulation and process measurements hones the skills of the chemical engineers.
These subjects develop scientific knowledge, project management skills, crisis management skills, ability to manage resources, increased aptitude in chemistry and other sub-disciplines.
Significance of chemical engineering
Chemical engineering encapsulates the processes to build new instruments and plants, examine raw materials. It constantly works towards refining the future and tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
Interestingly, chemical engineers are in a great demand as they facilitate the work of aerospace, biomedical and automotive industries. They provide their expert opinion on the various components used in these industries.
Chemical engineering is used in the field of healthcare, medicine, transport, technology. Handling waste disposal is also an area looked after the chemical engineers.
As a matter of fact, the landscape of the energy resources would undergo a sea change. This means that we would have to rely on sustainable resources which are considered waste and useless.
In today’s society, chemical engineers are needed to impart their knowledge in areas like petrochemicals, fuels, drugs and pharmaceuticals.
They know the ABC of chemicals as thermo chemical processes are essence of compounds around us.
The chemical engineer has to study the multi-scale diverse range of substances which can have sub-molecular to macroscopic characteristics.
In addition to this, chemical engineers study the chemical reaction of elements, compounds, acids, bases and salts to form new compounds with different properties.
Providing clean water, sustainable food and other necessary resources are also indispensable functions of chemical engineers.
The micro structure of solid foods can be modified to obtain healthy food. Similarly, ground and waste water can be chemically treated to wash away the impurities like arsenic and recycle it for a variety of purposes.
Moreover, they also evaluate the chemical consistency of substances and develop new innovations in order to obtain new components. Improving bio-mass efficiency is an example.
The knowledge of chemical engineering is a must when it comes to providing low energy desalination.
Similarly, the invention of synthetic sinks is also considered to be effective as it implies the principles of chemical theories and processes.
Chemical engineering also deals with the defence industry and is used in making accurate, high quality equipment.
It makes recovery of oil an easy and manageable activity by the oil plants. The procedure becomes more safe and environment friendly.
In the coming years, chemical engineers would be needed to advise how to provide synthetic replacement of resources and raw materials which are produced in low quantity and are scarce.
Chemical engineers earn a lot of money and are paid handsomely. In developed economies, they are greatly valued for the services they render.
The interesting and comprehensive field of polymer chemistry
An intriguing sub-discipline of chemical engineering happens to be polymer chemistry.
It is a thorough and well-researched study regarding the large, hugely sized molecules which are constituted by the inter-mingling of smaller molecules.
Polymers comprise of anything from cellulose, starch and natural rubber to anything grand. Interestingly, polymer industry is more successful than copper, steel or iron industries.
Also, polymers are extremely advantageous and have a plethora of benefits as compared to other compounds like metals, alloys.
This is because they have less frictional properties and can be formed reformed time and again. They can be melted and recycled without much effort and scientific intervention.
Polymer chemists observe the way molecular structures are manipulated, striking combinations are possible and new compounds are formed.
Moreover, the chemical and physical properties are also examined by them which undergo a transformation during chemical reactions and processes.
Polymers are omnipresent and are the building blocks of every compound. Their physical and chemical attributes affect their reaction time and the ability to form new compounds.
Polymer products can possess electrical or thermal properties and be lightweight like nylon, plastics or heavy like aluminium, copper, steel.
A handful of them are not corrosive and are unaffected by harsh chemicals. They require negligent post finishing efforts unlike their metallic counterparts.
As a matter of fact, polymers can be used in electronics, furniture, packaging, health care, sports and detergents. They can be moulded and formed into ne components.
The commercial applications of the polymers are studied by polymer chemists. Applied research and optimum uses of the product ensure better usage and productivity.
Certain polymers have certain bio-medical applications that can address the significant issues related to drugs. Surprisingly, they can also heal deadly diseases like cancer, dementia and diabetes.
Apparently, sustainable polymers have been developed and research is being conducted in this field. They are obtained through a process which processes new things from sustainable renewable resources.
To sum it up, chemical engineering provides a sneak peek into the mechanisms of science. It is used in transforming the properties of substances and develops new compounds. Polymer industries are essential for developing innovative ways to recycle and use high quality polymers. The future of new discoveries lies in the hands of skilled chemical engineers.
Chemical engineering is one of the most unique fields in the field of engineering. Many students in the world can vouch for their confusion of the subject, chemistry. Yet, there are some exceptional students who love the subject to the bits. And they want to make the best of the same for them and everyone who is thinking of having a future in this area.
With the changing times and technologies, things have become easier for these students. And they have a lot to explore. Especially, in an era when the polymers are the talk of the town. One must understand the relevance of the best technology that helps study these polymers and explore deeper information about them.
So, what are the polymers?
Polymers are nothing but substances whose molecular structure is different to the most! How? Well, when a huge number of same types of units come together to bond, then the molecules of polymers form.
We have some of the best examples in this world. These are nothing but plastic and resins. And things that are commonly available around you. The thing about polymer is that it is still an unexplored area.
Whatever the people could explore is not even the surface of the same. There is so much more to understand and know about these polymers and how they form and are created! Nevertheless, it is an important reason why the chemical engineering students must dig deeper into these without any hesitation.
But then again, a major challenge arise in front of them. One of the major problems is that many chemical engineering students cannot cope up with the pressure and either become uninterested or leave the course half way. Both ways it is a problem and at the end of the day the human knowledge cannot be explored anymore.
So, what are the various reasons why they leave?
Following are some of the most interesting reasons why the chemical engineering students give up on the polymers:
- They get bored:
Unfortunately, we have not been able to explore the interesting area in the polymers. But then again, the surface is so deep that the fun part takes time coming! And it is one reason why the students evidently get bored. They do not want to study the same things repeatedly, but then again, learning the basic is necessary without which they cannot progress. It is one reason why the chemical engineering students left the course midway.
- They get disappointed:
Understand that there is a huge difference between getting bored and getting disappointed. Yes, the students want to achieve something good and great. And it is one reason why the people must make sure that they should keep the disappointment away. Unfortunately, it is not always a possibility. When they don’t find something new for a long time, chances are they feel lost and disappointed and it is one demotivating factor for them. It is also why they don’t want to continue.
- They take it has a bolt to their career progress:
And being stuck on one area is one thing that can affect the career. Or so the people think. It is one important reason why they don’t want to pursue the polymers much apart from the area that is already explored. They don’t want to experience a pause in their career for the same. Nevertheless, they also get think that leaving it midway for something else may help them get the best results. That is a path they choose for themselves.
These are some reason why the students give up on the polymers. But times have changed now, and it is one enough reason why students can easily come back to the polymers. The benefits are many and they will get many helps in the process as well.
So, why the changing times is better?
Following are the various reasons why the changing times can prove to be fruitful to the students who want to pursue the polymers:
- The changing technology:
It is one of the major reasons why the people can expect the best results out of the polymers. The technology speaks for the changes. The technology has brought in many new tools and accessories that will help you go beyond the surface and that too in a less time. It will also help you explore the unexplored area and help you discover something very new making it one of the best.
- The modern approach:
With changing times, the approach towards education has also changed drastically. People no longer believe in theory and that it is the only thing that can help. They believe that fun means experimentation and also exploring something on your own. Understanding this is enough for the people to get through with the best results. The students love that they are encouraged and get the necessary help from the teachers around them.
- New career choices:
Nowadays the industries have even evolved and want to do something astounding. It is one important reason why they offer new career choices to the people. They will pay the people for continuing to explore more and more about a subject and area. And no! There will be no halt in the career by any means. It is one reason why the polymers have good chances of coming out in front of people more and more with these changing times.
- An interesting audience:
Also, many students are taking up this subject again! And why not, they are waiting for something that will be declared as path breaking right? So, now you also have an audience that is interesting and will follow you in your path. They look up to you and respect you in order to get through with the best results. You will feel encouraged and empowered at the same time.
These are some of the most interesting reasons why studying polymers in this era can prove to be beneficial for you. You must stay strong in the path and achieve your dreams.
Author bio
Clint Damon happens to be a widely read and an esteemed author. He has an impeccable knowledge of chemical theories, principles and knows the concepts of chemistry like the back of his hand. He has graduated from the University of Michigan and has received various accolades for his skills and expertise. Interestingly, a couple of scholars and professionals find his writing samples to be extremely cohesive, well-framed and informative.