March Madness ignites a frenzy of buzzer-beaters, bracket-busters, passionate fans and iconic imagery. But beneath the roar of the crowd lies a fascinating story: the unseen role of natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) in bringing the game to life. These NGLs are versatile energy sources and chemical building blocks for many of the essential elements that make March Madness possible. Let’s look into the science behind the excitement:
From Hoop Dreams to Hydrocarbon Heroes:
- The bright, white net, swished through countless times during the men’s and women’s tournaments, wouldn’t exist without NGLs. Ethane is a crucial component in ethylene production, a building block for nylon, the material used in most basketball nets.
- The sturdy backboard that takes the brunt of dunks and rebounds owes its resilience to a group of NGL derivatives. Polycarbonate, a durable and see-through plastic, is often used in backboards. Propane, another NGL, is essential for producing propylene, a key ingredient in polycarbonate production.
- A player’s footwear is a critical element in completing high-flying dunks to lightning-fast crossovers. Modern basketball shoes incorporate a variety of materials, many derived from NGLs. Ethylene can be further processed into various plastics and synthetic rubbers that provide flexibility, support and traction for players.
- The pristine wood floor where players battle for possession requires a smooth and secure surface. Ethane and propane are building blocks in the production of polyurethane, the product used to seal and protect the court.
So, when the champions cut down the nets at the end of the tournament, remember every swish and game-winning shot that got them there celebrates not just that athletic feat, but also the ingenuity of the natural gas liquids and chemical industries. From the backboards to the shoes on the players’ feet, NGLs play a critical role in the magic of March Madness.