When you’re not well-versed in the world of chemical engineering, it’s easy to forget how science intertwines with nearly every aspect of modern life. Everything from your clothes to your technology contains chemically-engineered parts.
According to a study by the National Academy of Sciences, approximately 25% of the United States GDP relies on the chemical economy. Read on to learn more about why chemical research is important to the U.S. economy.
Chemical Research Drives Innovation
It’s not an overstatement to say that the modern world wouldn’t exist without chemical research. Consider the power of just one product developed through chemical research: the lithium battery. Lithium batteries can hold far more energy than older types and last much longer. We use them in everything from smartphones and laptops to backup power storage for entire communities.
This one item is irreplaceable in the modern world. Without it, most of our personal electronics wouldn’t work. And that’s just one contribution chemical research has made to the economy.
Chemical Research Creates Medicine
Chemical research is responsible for many of the daily medications people take. The field is responsible for medicines such as oral contraceptives and vaccines for dangerous viruses like COVID-19. These important pharmaceuticals keep people healthy and offer them autonomy over their bodies, allowing them to be productive members of the U.S. workforce.
Chemical Research Feeds the Nation
Another reason why chemical research is important to the U.S. economy is that it indirectly feeds the entire workforce. Chemists are responsible for developing many of the following:
- Fertilizers that produce more abundant crops.
- Pesticides that protect crops from damage.
- Insecticides that prevent the spread of livestock diseases.
- Plastics for irrigation and storage.
- Chemicals that preserve food for transportation.
Many people take for granted the amount of time it takes to grow and process food. Modern advances in chemistry have made it possible for people to feed themselves without relying on their own labor.
If you’re looking for a chemical research and development partner, contact Capital Resin. We specialize in creating resins and other chemicals for a wide range of applications. We can even assist you in the process of complying with federal chemical regulations. Contact us today for more information about our services.