The Chemistry of Matches

After fielding questions from students about what chemicals are in matches this week, it seemed like a good topic for a post looking at the question in more detail. When using matches on a day-to-day basis, you probably don’t think much of the chemical composition, or the reactions that are being set off; this graphic takes a look at some of the chemicals you can find in your average safety match, and the role they play.

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Special Materials Company

Special Materials Company (SMC) is a $175 Million specialty chemical company involved in phosphorus derivatives, oilfield chemicals, paper chemicals, photographic chemicals, and products for the paints and coatings industry. SMC has interests in two manufacturing sites in China and one in the US. Has offices in China, Switzerland, and Latin America

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Multi-Functional Linings for Downstream Oil & Gas

Infographic | December 27, 2019

In Hydrocarbon storage there is a high likelihood of water contamination, this water gathers underneath the hydrocarbon cargo and can cause accelerated corrosion of the tank, requiring the lining of the base and 1 meter up the wall. For linings to perform as intended they need to have a chemical and mechanical bond to the substrate, which requires the steel to be clean, reactive and rough, often achieved through abrasive blasting.

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U.S. Chemical Weapons Elimination Program's Key Successes

Infographic | February 28, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oversees the U.S. chemical weapons elimination program. We've worked for over 30 years to keep Americans safe from dangerous chemicals in warfare materials by monitoring the process for safely destroying them and making sure workers and nearby communities stay safe and healthy.

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PFAS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Infographic | December 28, 2019

WHAT ARE PFAS CHEMICALS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS and GenX chemicals. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both are very persistent in the environment and in the human body. Exposure to certain PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.

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Specialty Chemicals Market Overview

Infographic | December 26, 2019

The global specialty chemicals industry stood at almost $600 billion in 2018. Specialty polymers, industrial and institutional cleaners, electronic chemicals, surfactants, and flavors and fragrances were the largest sectors. Specialty chemicals are consumed in a wide variety of end use industries and growth is very much dependent on the health of the economy.

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Working in heat can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers

Infographic | December 18, 2019

You must do everything reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks of working in heat. Where the risk cannot be eliminated, it must be minimised as much as reasonably practicable. Different workers may react differently to heat conditions. 5 Heat is not just a hazard when working outdoors on hot days. Consider the conditions inside your workplace and what hazards may be present.

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Covalent and non-covalent chemistry of 2D black phosphorus

Infographic | June 1, 2022

2D black phosphorous is an emerging material with a fascinating structure and outstanding electronic properties that holds potential for many applications.

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Spotlight

Special Materials Company

Special Materials Company (SMC) is a $175 Million specialty chemical company involved in phosphorus derivatives, oilfield chemicals, paper chemicals, photographic chemicals, and products for the paints and coatings industry. SMC has interests in two manufacturing sites in China and one in the US. Has offices in China, Switzerland, and Latin America

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