75 Uses of fossil fuels in daily life - All uses of fossil fuels (2023)

Did you know that fossil fuels move the world? Life as we know it would come to a halt if we ran out of these precious compounds. Fossil fuels supplement the production of various products Miscellaneous items such as; Household items, clothing, your car, planes, boats, pesticides, bags, purses, and even food are preserved with a little help from fossil fuels.

Yes, you read that right. The food we eat is preserved using fossil fuels. Natural gas, coal, and oil are examples of fossil fuels. The name fossil denotes a substance produced from decaying dead matter accumulated over millions of years.

Fossil fuels formed more than 650 million years ago. Energy was released from carbon stored in dead matter. That energy was converted into natural gas, coal, and oil. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source.

Petroleum, kerosene, methane, propane, butane, coal, and many others are examples of products derived from fossil fuels. These products are the source of various raw materials used directly or as raw materials for the manufacture of numerous products.

Here are 75 common uses for fossil fuels.

1. Combustible

The most common use of fossil fuel is gasoline. This, however, is not the only use. Of the 42.6 barrels of oil, only 19.4 gallons are used to make gasoline. Almost 60% of crude oil goes to the manufacture of different products, most of which are plastics.

Gasoline, jet fuel, heating oil, and kerosene are all processed from crude oil. Both oil and natural gas are used to produce electricity that powers industries and lights homes.

2. In cars,

A car is made up of approximately 50% plastic. Almost all plastic components in a car are made from petroleum products. Plastics are versatile, durable, and lightweight. This makes them ideal raw materials for car door handles, air vents, dashboards, and airbags.

3. vaseline

Everyone knows Vaseline, a global brand of Vaseline. Used as a skin toning application, Vaseline is produced from crude oil. The raw material is vacuum distilled, filtered through bone char to produce the gelatin. It is an odorless semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons.

4. Toys

Toys are made from blow molded plastics. Some toys, such as doll heads and kick balls, are rotationally molded, creating a seamless finish.

5. Computers

All the plastic parts in a computer are made from fossil fuels. The computer's insulation and parts that protect it from overheating, including capacitors, and electrical components, including polymer capacitors, are made from tetracyanoquinodimethane, a fossil fuel product.

6. Asphalt/bitumen

Asphalt, or bitumen as it is commonly known, is a heavy black substance, a byproduct of petroleum. Bitumen is a strong, versatile and weather resistant bonding material used in paving roads.

It adheres well to gravel, sand and cement to form a strong road surface.

7. Synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber is an artificial elastomer made from polymers synthesized from petroleum derivatives, it is used in the manufacture of doors, window profiles, water hoses, belts, mats, floors, and many other products. Two thirds of the material used to make car tires is synthetic rubber.

8. Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is obtained by dewaxing petroleum. Paraffin wax is used in the manufacture of candles, wax paper, shoe polish, cosmetics, electrical insulation, and many other products.

9. Fertilizers

Fertilizers used to improve soil fertility are produced synthetically. They include natural gas, a fossil fuel. Ammonia, nitrogen and potassium are synthesized from fossil fuels. Phosphorus is made using sulfur and phosphate rock.

10. Pesticides

Pesticides help control unwanted pests. They are hydrocarbons synthesized in the laboratory. Chlorine, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen, and bromine are commonly used components. The inert ingredients depend on the type of pesticide. Liquid pesticides use kerosene, while others use petroleum distillate as a vehicle.

11. Detergents

Detergents used in daily household cleaning are made from saponification. A process that involves heating fats and oils, which then react with alkali and glycerin. Hydrocarbons found in petroleum and oils are an important component in soap making. They repel water while attracting oil and grease.

12. Furniture

Traditional furniture was made of wood. Modern furniture is made from a variety of materials, including metal and plastic. Plastics made from hydrocarbon monomers, for example, styrene and acrylonitrile chloride, are used in the manufacture of high-quality, beautiful furniture.

13. Packaging materials

Plastic packaging materials keep products, especially food, fresh and well protected. They are made from hydrocarbons, cellulose, coal, and natural gas.

14. Surfing

Boards made of foam are durable and versatile. The foam is processed from polyurethane and wrapped in a polyester resin. Newer beginner boards now use epoxy resin and prolapsed polystyrene (PPS) foam instead of polyurethane and polyester. All boards use fiberglass.

15. Paintings

Paints are made from organic and inorganic pigments. Most of the pigments used today are inorganic. Synthetic organic pigments are derived from coal tar and other petrochemicals. They are brighter, have a better shine and produce a beautiful color finish.

16. Man-made fibers

Man-made fibers are made from petrochemicals. Two petroleum-derived compounds polymerize to form a chemical bond that produces adjacent carbon atoms. Different chemical compounds are used to produce different types of synthetic fibers.

17. Upholstery

Car upholstery is made up of fabric, upholstery, straps, and springs. Foam and other hydrocarbon products are preferred materials due to their versatility and durability. The foam makes the padding comfortable and does not wear out easily.

18. Wallpaper.

Rugs are made of fibers, natural fibers include wool and linen. Modern rugs are made of synthetic fiber. Synthetic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester. All three are produced by the same chemical processes using oil and natural gas.

19. Solvent Diesel Engine Oil Bearing

Solvent products made from petroleum are used to reduce friction and wear between metal contact surfaces. They are made by refining a solvent by hydrotreating to remove non-hydrocarbons.

20. Floor Wax

Floor wax used to polish wood floors is made from paraffin wax, a hydrocarbon fuel obtained by dewaxing light lubricating oils.

21. Pens

The pens are made of plastic obtained from hydrocarbons. The ink is a blend of waterproof synthetic pigments.

22. Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats, the lugs on the sole of the cleats are external accessories that provide additional traction during play. They are conical or blade-shaped and made of plastic, rubber, or metal. Plastic and synthetic rubber football boots are products of hydrocarbons.

23. Shirts

Sweaters can be made from man-made fibers including polyesters or acrylics, which are derived from petroleum. They are tough, have excellent color fastness, stretch resistance and dry quickly.

24. Ships

All plastics used in a boat, including trim and paneling, are made from hydrocarbon materials that are processed into plastics, foam, and synthetic rubber.

25. Insecticides

Insecticides help get rid of annoying insects. Insecticides are synthesized in the laboratory from hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. They contain chlorine, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen and bromine. The inert ingredients depend on the type of pesticide. Liquid pesticides traditionally use kerosene or other petroleum distillate as a vehicle.

26. bicycle

The bicycle is made of various materials. The frame and chains are made of stainless steel alloy, the seat and handlebars are made of synthetic plastic made from hydrocarbons. The proper functioning of the wheels is also facilitated by the lubricating oil.

27. Tires

Synthetic rubber made from polymers found in crude oil is used to make automobile tires. Carbon black is a fine, soft powder created when crude oil or natural gas is burned with a limited amount of oxygen, causing incomplete combustion and creating a large amount of fine soot that is synthesized into rubber.

sports car bodies

Sports cars must be light and strong. Plastic parts made from petroleum make up almost 50% of a sports car. Seats, dashboards, bumpers, and engine components are made of plastic or synthetic rubber.

28. nail polish

Nail polish or varnish is made from toluene, a petrochemical pigment. Toluene is a mild solvent nail polish that is safe to apply to fingernails and toenails. Protects nail plates from cracking and flaking.

Enamel is an organic polymer mixed with various components to obtain that unique color and texture.

29. Fishing lures

Fish lures are artificial fishing lures. They use movement, vibration, flash and color to attract fish. They have a hook and a colored plastic piece. Plastic fish lure bodies are very popular with anglers. Plastic is a petroleum product made from hydrocarbons.

30. dresses

Many dresses are made of polymer fibers. Polymer fibers are soft, warm, wool-like, and lightweight. They are easy to dye and hold color fast. With all these benefits, it's easy to understand why the garment industry is betting big on petroleum-derived synthetic fibers for colorful garments.

31. Golf bags

Most golf bags are made from petroleum-derived polymers. Synthetic fibers are resistant and elastic. Qualities necessary for quality golf bags.

32. Perfumes

Perfumes are made from organic vegetable or animal oils, but they must be dissolved in a solvent. Petroleum ether, toluene, and benzene are used to extract fresh scented oils from plants such as jasmine, mimosa, lavender, sandalwood, and many others. Once the extraction is complete, the petroleum-based solvent is evaporated.

33. Cabins

Cassette tapes are made of a polyester-like plastic film made from hydrocarbons. They are coated with a magnetic coating.

34. Dishwasher

Bitumen, an extract of crude oil, is also used in the manufacture of dishwashers. Bituminous layers are used as sound insulation in state-of-the-art dishwashers.

35. Computers

Did you know that your computer uses thin bituminous sheets that act as silencers? The hard drive and many other components in your computer can be extremely noisy if they are not quieted. Thanks to bitumen, your computer works silently.

36. shoe polish

Shoe polishes are made from waxes, organic solvents, and dyes. Petroleum based solvents are used in the manufacturing process. Hydrocarbon-based waxes make shoe polish smooth and easy to dissolve.

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37. motorcycle helmet

A conventional motorcycle helmet has two main protective components: a thin, rigid outer shell, usually made of polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or Kevlar, and a soft, thick inner liner, usually made of expanded polystyrene or "EPS" polypropylene foam. ". . hydrocarbon derived from petroleum.

38. Sheer Jelly Tape

Transparent tape, or masking tape as it is commonly called, is made from a hydrocarbon derivative of plastic. A thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the film and dried.

39. Compact discs

Compact discs or CDs are made of polycarbonate plastic covered with a thin layer of aluminum and clear acrylic for protection. Polycarbonate plastic is made from petrochemical bisphenol A and phosgene.

40. Antiseptics

You may be wondering what antiseptics do on a list of fossil fuels, antiseptics contain

Creosote, a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material such as wood or fossil fuel used as preservatives or antiseptics.

41. Clothesline

The clotheslines are made of lightweight, strong, water and mildew resistant multifilament polypropylene (nylon), it has a slippery texture that prevents clothes from gripping tightly, but is strong.

42. Curtains

Drapery fabrics are often made from cotton, silk, and linen. Synthetic fibers, however, make up the majority of curtains. Polyester, acrylic, rayon, etc.

43. Food preservatives

Paraffin wax is used as a food preservative that keeps packaged baked goods fresh and free from mold. Chocolates and many other products have labels that list petroleum as an ingredient.

44. Basket

Basketballs are made of rubber, synthetic rubber, or composite materials. The inside of the ball has a bladder that traps air and keeps the ball inflated. The exterior is made of petrochemical-derived nylon and polyester.

45. Soap

Most soaps are petroleum based products. Soap is a fatty acid salt used for cleaning. Its most common use is in homes, where it is used for washing, bathing and all household tasks that require an emulsifier.

46. ​​​​​​Anesthetics

Anesthetics are medicines that help keep patients from feeling pain during surgery. Most anesthetic drugs are made from ethylene, a colorless and odorless petroleum derivative.

47. Crumbled Rubber

Shredded rubber is actually recycled rubber. It is made from recycled tires, which are burned in oil to release carbon black and benzothiazole.

48. Body lotions

Body lotions are made with substances called occlusives. Occlusives are petrochemicals that help seal wounds and hydrate the skin.

49. Face Creams

Face creams are petroleum based products. Ingredients used include perfumes, dyes, waxes, and other petroleum-derived substances.

50. Toothpaste

Toothpaste has several petroleum derivatives. Poloxamer 407, a petroleum product, is used with other oil bases to dissolve the aqueous portion of the toothpaste solution.

51. Deodorants

Deodorants contain propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a humectant and perfume solvent that helps perfume last longer.

52. crayon

Kids love to color with crayons, but did you know that each crayon is made from paraffin wax, a petroleum-based product?

53. pantimedias

Stockings made of nylon, a petrochemical compound, are strong and stretch easily. They are also easy to wash and do not run.

54. Bubble Gum

One of the more unusual uses of petroleum is in chewing gum. The petroleum derivatives found in chewing gum give it elastic properties and a long-lasting texture. The gum base consists of paraffin wax and polyethylene.

55. Dentures

Dentures get their color from stains. They are made of acrylic, a hydrocarbon, along with porcelain, metal, and nylon. Acrylic resin can be tinted to more closely resemble a natural rubber color.

56. Sanitary products

Tampons and sanitary napkins contain phthalates, which are plastics made from crude oil that give tampons their smooth appearance.

57. Contact lenses

Contact lenses are made of polymers, a petrochemical. Polymer contacts are allowed and allow air to pass through. They allow the passage of oxygen to the eye, an extremely important feature.

58. Refrigerator

Plastics made from petroleum-based products make up the majority of the exterior of your refrigerator.

59. Nonstick cookware

The coating found on nonstick pots and pans is made from petrochemicals. This coating gives the surface of the pan its non-stick properties, the pans are also heat resistant.

60. Medicines

Many Medicines Use Petroleum-Based Products Benzene is the most common petroleum derivative used in cough mixes and other medicines.

61. Solar panels

Solar panels are an important source of renewable energy, generating electricity in places that are not connected to the electrical grid. They are made of plastic cells derived from petroleum.

62. styrofoam

Styrofoam is used in insulation and as a barrier against water infiltration in walls, ceilings, and foundations, it is made from polystyrene, a petroleum hydrocarbon.

63. Pillows

Sofa cushions are made of polyurethane, a petroleum-based chemical.

64. Linoleum tiles

The linoleum tiles on the kitchen floor are made of plastic.

65. Toilet seats

Toilet seats are made of polystyrene, a petroleum-derived thermoplastic.

66. Wallpaper

Most rugs are made of synthetic fibers. Nylon and olefin are the most common fibers used in the manufacture of door and floor mats.

67. shampoo

Shampoos are made from liquefied propane and butane, a product of liquefied petroleum gas.

68. Tennis rackets

Tennis rackets are made of polyacrylonitrile and rayon, both petrochemical products.

69. Heart valves

Artificial heart valves save the lives of heart patients. Did you know that they are made of graphite, pyrolytic, carbon and polyester, all derived from petroleum?

70. Surgeon uniforms

Uniforms must be strong, waterproof, easy to clean, disinfect and hygienic. hydrocarbons are used in the manufacture of surgical nurses and medical gowns.

71. Custody

Foil balloons are lightweight and strong and can withstand extreme pressure. They are made from a petroleum-derived polyester film called biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate.

72. Hairspray

Petroleum derivatives of propane and butane are used as vehicles in hairsprays.

73. Toothpaste

The toothpaste is made with poloxamer 407, a common petroleum derivative that helps oil-based ingredients dissolve in water.

74. Kayaks

The kayaks are made of polyethylene. Roto Mold is used to create a strong and durable kayak. A large mold is filled with plastic powder, which is placed in an oven. The oven melts the powdered plastic into a liquid. It is then cooled into the final product.

75. Tetra Pak

Tetra paks, packaging material for milk and other beverages, are lined with hot melt polyethylene to completely seal the shape. The exterior is coated to seal the paint, while the interior is triple-coated to protect the contents.

Fossil fuels, as you have seen, really do rule the world. So here's a little puzzle: Imagine for a moment a world without petrochemicals, hydrocarbons and natural gas. How would we produce common everyday products that we take for granted?