DHB2201 Natural and Synthetic Materials, Products, Fats and Detergents

This unit basically will help students to identify the natural materials in their surrounding and use them to make goods that can be used in daily life.  The unit content among other areas talks about large molecules (some occurring naturally) called polymers whose industry has gain in our homes, schools and industry.  Soap/detergent chemistry will also be covered.  The chemistry of carbohydrates and proteins as natural products is described including the manufacture, uses and differences between soaps and detergents. Emphasis is laid on the practical aspects of the process.

Course Objectives
By the end of this unit, students should be able to:

• Define polymers
• Describe the structures of the various polymers
• Identify materials (made of polymers) and their importance in everyday life
• Describe how the materials are processed from the raw materials
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of natural and synthetic materials.
• Define soaps, detergents
• Distinguish between soaps and detergents 
• Describe the manufacture of soap, detergents
• Outline limitations of soaps and detergents