Unit 1: Chemistry at Work and Home

Chapter 1: Chemistry Around Us

One of the solvents used in the dry-cleaning industry is perchloroethylene. What other solvents are used to remove stains? Are these solvents polar or non-polar? Should you dry clean clothing made of microfibre materials? Why or why not?

Dry Cleaning?What Is It?
The Michigan Institute of Laundering & Drycleaning gives a clear overview of the dry-cleaning process, and mentions some of the solvents used.

How Dry Cleaning Works
This “How Stuff Works” page gives an excellent outline of the dry-cleaning process. Select “Industry Trends” from the menu on the right, to find out about an alternative to perc.

Textile Care Technology Spectra and Care Labeling Issues
Scroll down to II, A, 1. Non-aqueous Textile Cleaning, for some hints on the polar nature of dry-cleaning solvents.

SCOTTeVEST Clothing Comparison Chart
This is part of an on-line catalogue. Click on the “+” signs on the “Fabric” line, to find out what the clothing is made of, and how it should be laundered.

Skea 2002-2003 Fabric Information
Many of Skea’s fabrics contain microfibre. Read the care instructions and see if you can detect a pattern.

Beautiful British Columbia Magazine?Adult Clothing
The jackets advertised here are made from a blend that includes microfibre. The care instructions are provided.

Integral Designs Sleeping Bags
This manufacturer gives lots of information of what their sleeping bags are made of, and how they should be cleaned. Look under “Caring For Your Primaloft Bag.”

Section 1.3 Job Link: Plastics Processing Machine Operator, page 20

Find four careers related to that of a plastics processing machine operator.

Job Futures: Machine Operators and Related Workers in Chemical, Plastic, and Rubber Processing
Whether it’s manufacturing pharmaceuticals or extruding rubber hoses, there are many opportunities for machine operators.

Job Futures: Machine Operators and Related Workers in Textile Processing
From making synthetic fibres, through the knitting or weaving and dyeing processes, to the final inspection of the fabric, workers in the textile processing industry are likely to be handling a lot of polymers.

TVO CareerMatters: Rubber Processing Machine Operators
If you want to make products from plant sap, this could be the job for you.

CareerDoWell: Plastics Industry
This career site gives an overview of the plastics industry and the types of jobs that are associated with the industry.

Workopolis Job Search
Type “plastics” into the keyword box and click on “Search” to find out what jobs are available in this field today.

Chapter 2: Applying Chemistry

Besides the saponification of fats and oils to make soap, there is another soap-making process. It involves the neutralization of fatty acids with a base. Find out how this process works. Create a table comparing and contrasting the two methods of soap making.

Cranberry Lane Soap Making Instructions
Cranberry Lane is a company that sells kits for making soap at home. Their website gives rather lengthy instructions on the process.

The Soap and Detergent Association: Soap Chemistry
Colourful diagrams help explain how fatty acid molecules are neutralized with either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to make neat soap.

Environmental Chemistry: Soaps and Detergents
Scroll down to “III. Synthesis A. Soaps” for chemical diagrams of the two methods of soap making: hydrolysis of fatty esters and hydrolysis of fatty acids.