Environmental concerns chlorofluorocarbons

The synthesis of fluoropolymers in C02 is of particular interest since these polymers have historically been prepared in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other fluorinated solvents, as well as in water. Due to the association of CFCs with ozone-layer depletion, these solvents have been banned and replacement solvents must be found. Alternative fluorinated solvents are expensive and also have environmental concerns. 

Because of environmental concerns about using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) blowing agents, methylene chloride is being used as a blowing agent. A number of catalysts have been developed that are particularly compatible with methylene chloride. Several of these new catalysts work on the delayed-action principle to avoid splitting of the foams (22). 

However, there will always be situations where the introduction of a new excipient is inevitable. The candidate drug, for instance, maybe incompatible with the current range of excipients. Another reason might be the phasing out of existing excipients for safety or environmental concerns, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in metered dose aerosols. There may be a need to introduce a new excipient for a novel drug delivery system or to overcome disadvantages with the currently available materials. 

In 2000, 45 Mt of CI2 was manufactured by the chloralkali process this represents 95% of the global supply. The main producers are the US, Western Europe and Japan. Whereas the Japanese chloralkali industry operates almost entirely with the membrane cell, the US favours use of the diaphragm cell, and just over half of the Western European industry retains use of the mercury cell. On environmental grounds, the chloralkali industry is being pressured to replace mercury and diaphragm cells by the membrane cell. This is not the only environmental concern facing the industry demand for CI2 has fallen in the pulp and paper industry and in the production of chlorofluorocarbons, the latter being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol for the Protection... 

We noted from the outset of this chapter that environmental concerns about ozone depletion arise from tbe increase in the rate of destruction of ozone in the stratosphere. This is a process apparently caused by man-made chemicals. Specifically, chlorofluorocarbons used as refrigerants have been cited as a cause of ozone depletion. Yet a look at the Chapman cycle does not show any obvious role for CFCs. So how can these molecules accelerate the destruction of ozone if they do not even appear in the underlying chemical equations Catalysis is a process in which a reaction rate is influenced by the presence of substances that are neither reactants nor products in the overall equation. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of the reaction but is neither created nor destroyed in the process. How can CFCs catalyze ozone depletion ... 

When first introduced, semi-permanent release agents were formulated in hydrocarbon solvents or chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) aerosol propellants for application. However, with the environmental concerns about the use of solvents, and the Montreal Protocol banning the use of CFC, semi-permanent release agents are produced with a water base, that are equal in their properties to the solvent borne materials. 

Reduction in the volatile organic content (VOC) of coatings, contributed by the solvents present, is now required because solvents, principally hydrocarbons, contribute through a reaction chain to an increase in ground level pollution (photochemical ozone). The hole in the ozone layer in the stratosphere concerns chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and is a very different issue. Also of concern to formulators is the removal of lead, chromium and cadmium, which are long term environmental pollutants in paint residues. 

The mass flow or reflow methods are suited for high-volume manufacturing. The entire board is heated and large numbers of components on the board are soldered simultaneously. The two most common of these methods are oven reflow soldering and wave soldering. A third technique, vapor phase reflow soldering, has dwindled in popularity due to environmental concerns regarding the use of the chlorofluorocarbon-based solvents that were key to this process. Now, however, perfluorocarbons are substituted and the technique is still in use. 

There have been a number of subsitutions of chemicals in recent years, many of them driven by environmental concerns and regulations resulting from those concerns. One of the greater of these has been the substitution of hydrochloro-fluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (MFCs) for chlorofluorocarbons (Freons or CFCs) driven by concerns over stratospheric ozone depletion. Substitutions of nonhalogenated solvents, supercritical fluid carbon dioxide, and even water with appropriate additives for chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents will continue as environmental concerns over these solvents increase. 

Chlorinated solvents (cleaning) Solvents containing carbon and chlorine, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride (MEC), Perchloroethylene (PERC), and 1,1,1 trichloroethane (TCA). Very effective solvents but regulated because of health and environmental concerns. Example Carbon tetrachloride (CCI4), a fully chlorinated solvent. See also Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) solvents Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) solvents. 

Adsorption of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFG) over zeolite is of major global environmental concern. To investigate the nature of CFCs including fluoro. 

Evidence that many of these compounds can have adverse effects on the immune, endocrine and nervous systems and that some are carcinogenic has grown during the last decade. The role of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and of methyl bromide in the ozone layer depletion is well established (ref. 3).It is therefore not surprising that many halogenated derivatives are cast as environmental and health villains by various concerned groups who call for total phase out of chlorine and chlorinated hydrocarbons. 

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