Describes in general language the specific chemical composition of a range of consumer products while also highlighting such topics as the historical use of the product, physical functioning, and any associated environmental and/or human health related issues.

Chemical formulation can be traced back to Stone Age times, when hunter-gatherers attached flint arrowheads to shafts using a resin made from birch bark and beeswax. Today, formulated preparations are part of everyday life. Formulations based on surfactants are by far the most prolific, from shampoos and shower gels to emulsion paint and polishes. This book discusses the chemical technology of surfactants and related chemicals, using over forty examples of everyday products. Some basic theory on surface chemistry, molecular interactions and surfactant function is included to aid understanding. Chemical Formulation: An Overview of Surfactant-based Preparations Used in Everyday Life then goes on to look at wider aspects such as surfactant manufacture, raw materials, environment, sustainability, analysis and testing. Throughout, common chemical names are used for formulation chemicals, further aiding the readability of the book. Bridging the gap between theory and application, this book will be invaluable to anyone wishing to broaden their knowledge of applied chemistry, including students on A level, BTEC and technician courses. It will also be of benefit to those new to the formulation industry.

There is a virtual laboratory of chemicals in the food we eat and the products we encounter every dayat home, at school, and at work. What are these substances and how are they used? How are they helpful? Can they be harmful? Here are fast, hands-on answers to these and other crucial questions about hundreds of chemical substances we come into contact with on a regular basis. From MSG in food to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning, this AZ guide provides clear, no-nonsense information on the use and health effects of hundreds of chemicals found in food, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, lawn and garden products, and more. Well-organized and easy-to-use, it gives you the help you need to make smarter choices about the products you choosefor yourself and your family. Inside 1,001 Chemicals in Everyday Products you'll find: Entries listing products, uses, precautions, and synonyms Direct answers to over 250 frequently asked questions on everyday chemicals Handy product and chemical synonym indexes A nationwide listing of Poison Control Centers

Hand cream, detergent, shower gel, toothpaste, toilet cleaner, air freshener, lipstick, perfume, low-fat spread, painkiller, diet drink, insect repellent... hundreds of everyday products that make our lives so much better than those of our forebears. And yet most of us know little about the ingredients they contain and why they deliver the benefits we enjoy. Some people find it worrying when they examine the list of ingredients on a packaging label, because all they read may be unintelligible names or E numbers. It appears to be just chemicals, chemicals, chemicals. The aim of this book is to examine the ingredients more closely and explain the reasons for their being used. Start reading and stop worrying. Chemistry at Home has been written by award-winning popular science writer and chemist, John Emsley, using non-technical language. The book has 12 chapters, each devoted to the kinds of products we are likely to find around the home, including in the garage and the garden shed. Chemistry at Home also includes a glossary which gives more technical information about the molecules mentioned in the book.

What does cotton candy, which dissolves at the touch, have in common with Kevlar, used for bullet-proof vests? How can our understanding of such materials help us to tackle essential problems of the 21st century? Materials play a key role in our search for solutions to many pressing issues. They underpin many industries, are critical for the development of consumer goods, are essential components of medical diagnostic techniques, offer hope for the treatment of currently incurable diseases, and provide answers to environmental problems. This handbook is a guide to the materials we rely on for the future. Materials for the 21st Century serves as a useful resource for undergraduate and high school students preparing for a career in physical sciences, life sciences,or engineering, by helping them to identify new areas of interest. It is also an excellent reference for readers interested in learning more about the diverse range of materials that underlie key aspects of our economy and everyday lives.