MF-39
MF-39
Roll No : 24-MF-39
Synthetic Rubber
During World War II, the shortage of natural rubber from Southeast Asia led to the
development of synthetic rubber, a new raw material derived from petroleum. Chemists like
Wallace Carothers and scientists at various research institutions pioneered the production
of synthetic rubber, which became a critical substitute for the natural material and enabled
the continued manufacture of tires, gaskets, and other essential products.
Shale Gas
The combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) techniques in the
early 2000s unlocked vast new sources of natural gas trapped in shale rock formations. This
new source of raw material, pioneered by innovators like George P. Mitchell, transformed
the global energy landscape, making the United States a major producer and exporter of
natural gas.
Rare Earth Elements
As mentioned earlier, the discovery and mining of rare earth elements, a group of 17
metallic elements, provided new raw materials critical for high-tech applications. Scientists
and researchers, such as those at the US Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, played a
pivotal role in identifying and developing the processing techniques for these strategic
materials.
4. New Markets