What is the Functional Area of A Professional Chemist?

When you think of a chemist, what image comes to mind? A disheveled scientist with huge glasses, mixing liquids of the most different colors to the sound of things bubbling in test tubes? Disheveled or not, this scientist whom you prefer to call the Chemistry Professional, does not work in dark holds, but in all kinds of industry that you are able to list. 

What are the Functional Areas? 

For a very simple reason - the whole material world is made up of elements, and chemical substances. This includes basic items such as water, air and land, as well as consumer products obtained by industrial processes such as paper, beverages, fertilizers, and the mouse from your computer. Let’s see a few functional areas where the professional chemist performs their abilities. 

Abrasives - They are materials used in the polishing, and cutting of a variety of products like leathers, marbles, metals, wood, etc. Sanding discs, cutting and grinding discs, grinding wheels and sponges are some of the products manufactured by the abrasives industry. In the production of abrasives are involved electrofusion and sintering processes that operate at very high temperatures and polymerization process which must be conducted and controlled by a chemist. 

Food and Beverages - The expansion of the food industry from the 1940s was only possible by the emergence or improvement of techniques involving chemical processes such as dehydration, freezing and sanitation. Now, the advent of functional foods, enriched with substances beneficial to health, is the novelty of the industry. The work of a professional chemist who knows the chemical reactions that occur during the production of the drinks is fundamental to improve the quality and to prevent the appearance of problems. 

Pharmacy-Co-Chemicals - These are chemical substances with pharmacological activity employed in the production of medicines. Due to its technical, and scientific training, the chemist is qualified to hold positions of responsibility in the pharmaceutical industry - in sectors such as production, physical-chemical, and microbiological quality control, and quality assurance. 

Petrochemicals - Petroleum, natural gas, and shale gas are the quintessential sources of the petrochemical industry which produces basic raw materials for the chemical and para-chemical industry. A significant part of the business sectors of chemist depends on these raw materials. In the industrial processing used in petrochemicals, the presence of chemistry professionals is undeniable and mandatory. 

Producing Batteries - Chemical reactions can convert chemical energy into electrical energy if it occurs in devices specially designed for this purpose. Such devices are called batteries. They are classified into - primary (non-rechargeable), and secondary (rechargeable). The former produce electricity by means of chemical reactions that are not easy to reverse, and therefore the chemicals must be renewed after the reactions. The secondary ones, on the contrary, are based on reversible reactions and do not require renewal of the chemical components. 

Forensic Chemistry - Chemistry professionals trained in this area work with sophisticated techniques to assist in solving crimes, detect adulteration in food, beverages and fuels and investigate sports doping. The forensic chemist can act as an expert for the Civil Police and the Federal Police. 

Conclusion: The Functional Area is Broad

Therefore, the chemist can work not only in laboratories but in all activities that require the accompaniment of a professional. These activities involve - design, planning, and production control, product development, operations and control of chemical processes, basic sanitation, industrial waste treatment, safety and management of the environment and, in some specific cases such as sales, technical assistance, industrial planning. And, even business management. Without saying that so-called forensic chemistry has been a great ally of investigators for the solution of crimes.

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