essential2materials
Each year, chemistry transforms some $75 billion in raw materials into vests that help stop bullets, carbon-fibers used in satellites, better bumpers for cars, and more effective medicines. We are unlocking the power of nature to provide the materials we need to lead healthier, more productive lives.
Did You Know
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The chemical products manufactured by our members are an essential part of every facet of our nation’s economy. Over 96% of all manufactured goods are directly touched by the business of chemistry.
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Featured Articles
materials
On an airfield near Zurich, Switzerland, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA was recently unveiled—the first airplane designed to fly during day or night without using any fossil fuels or creating any polluting emissions. » learn more
materials
Microprocessors: From Sandstone to Silicon
In 1965, Gordon E. Moore, Co-founder of Intel, wrote about a technology trend he had noticed whereby the number of transistors that could be placed on computers’ integrated circuits—at a relatively low manufacturing cost—was increasing at an exponential rate. Since the invention of such circuits in 1958, he had observed this number doubling each year. He predicted this rate of growth would continue. » learn more
materials
Transparent Plastics for Roofs and Façades
In just a few years, transparent plastic materials have become important in a wide variety of architectural applications. In particular, polycarbonate plastic sheets lend themselves well to a broad spectrum of innovative contemporary designs, because they are lightweight, resistant to breakage, and dimensionally stable, combining functionality with aesthetics. » learn more
materials
Wax Figures: Chemistry and the Art of Imitating Life
Wax museums around the world have increased in popularity, with more celebrities being recreated every year. Madame Tussauds, in particular, has been a pioneer in showcasing some of the most prominent wax figures ever created. » learn more
materials
Innovative New ETFE Film for Building and Construction
Buildings that move, breathe, and, now, sweat? The possibilities of Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) may seem utterly 21st century, but it’s a new technology, rather than a new product. » learn more
Initiatives
Long-Range Research
Chemistry sponsors independent research that applies new scientific methods to better understand the complex relationship between humans and the environment. » read more