Raw Material-Polymer Interrelationships — Today and Tomorrow†‡
Extended version of the paper delivered at the plenary session of the 26th International Symposium on Macromolecules, September 20, 1979 in Mainz.
Dedicated to Professor Rolf Sammet on the occasion of his 60th birthday
Graphical Abstract
Petroleum, natural gas, and coal are presently employed not only as raw materials but primarily as sources of energy. One of the most pressing needs is to disengage this double function and to better utilize fossil resources. Possible solutions are demonstrated by means of plastics (a breakdown of oil consumption in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1976 is shown on the right).
Abstract
Against the background of increasing demand and limited availability of fossil, non-regenerative fuel reserves and resources, ways are indicated of ensuring future supplies of raw materials and energy. The ambivalence of petroleum, natural gas, and coal in the energy and chemical sectors is demonstrated and opportunities for the gradual separation of their dual function are indicated. Taking into account the time factor, the necessary restructuring processes are analyzed critically with respect to their impact on the raw material–polymer relationship.
