Module 6: CHEMISTRY IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Chemistry is a big part of our everyday life. One can easily observe this branch of science in different spheres of
human life such as in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the various cleansing agents we use, so much so that
even human emotions are sometimes a result of chemical reactions within our body!

Medical Implants or Prostheses

• the use of standardized parts and mechanism in the form of medical implants prostheses has been introduced as a
replacement or reconstruction of the human skeleton.

• However, recent studies conducted about the success rate of medical implants show that implants have a short
service time and become loose in the long run. Also, some of the alarming adverse effects of the use of implants are
inflammation and bacterial infection due to biocompatibility.

Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

• To remedy the adverse effects of implants, recent developments in the production of prostheses or medical
implants include the customization of bone parts that are exclusively to the patient's need. An example of such
procedure is electron beat melting (EBM) that uses powdered titanium (Ti) to be melted on the surface of the cast
under vacuum and high temperature electron beam exposure, which effectively melts the Ti powder without
altering its properties and creating a dimensionally accurate prosthesis.

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Procedures

•Computer numerically controlled (CNC) procedure is the production of prosthesis that is unique to one patient. It
also involves titanium and zirconium deposition to create a surface that is porous and fibrous similar to that of the
bone to increase biocompatibility

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

To increase sports efficiency and eventually decrease sports-related injuries, sports equipment and facilities use
materials such as polymers. A polymer is a large molecule that is made up of repeating smaller molecules.

One of these polymers is polycarbonate, a thermoplastic containing phenyl groups. Structurally, the presence of the
phenyl group enables the polycarbonate to be molecularly stiff or highly tough. It also has good thermal resistance
and is highly amorphous, which allows light transparency. Thus, it is used in shatter-resistant protective sports
equipment such as goggles, helmets, sunglasses, and visors. It is also used as body for ski platforms and
snowboards.

• polyurethane — a thermoplastic that contains the urethane (NECOO) group efficiency and characterized by its
versatility in form, It be made into a rigid platform or a flexible coating depending on its specific purpose or use.
Moreover, its innate résiliency in terms of absorption of force and pressure is used to minimize the possibility of
injuries

• Nanotechnology has been used to attain more ergonomic sports equipment that is more durable, yet considerably
lightweight and dimensionally accurate, for athletes to have better performance by improving maneuverability. This
includes production of golf balls with uniform dimples and rackets reinforced with nanomaterials. Even sports such
javelin throw, baseball, and softball use materials modified using nanotechnology for considerable increase in hand
grip