Hydrofluorocarbons present may have emissions properties that are not ideal for the environment. Hydrofluoroethers on the other hand have properties that promote eco-friendliness. Keep reading below to learn more about hydrofluorocarbons versus hydrofluoroethers.
\What are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Hydrofluorocarbons are a group of artificial compounds, also classified as greenhouse gases, that is composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Most are colorless, odorless, and nonreactive. This group of compounds is commonly used for cooling systems and other applications, including:
- Refrigeration
- Air conditioning
- Insulation building
- Aerosols propellant
What is wrong with HFCs?
Unfortunately, hydrofluorocarbons have a relatively negative reputation as being powerful contributors to global warming, with certain HFCs, such as trifluoromethane, having a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Though HFCs replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a safer alternative to the environment, HFCs still have a very high warming potential and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is increasing at a rapid rate, specifically at around 10% to 15% percent every year.
What are hydrofluoroethers (HFEs)?
Hydrofluoroethers are a group of organic solvents that were formulated as an alternative to environmentally harmful chemicals, such as HFCs and CFCs. HFEs have multiple applications as industrial chemicals, including:
- Refrigeration
- Degreasing solvent
- Cleaning agent
- Heat transfer fluid
Are HFEs better than HFCs?
In terms of eco-friendliness, yes! HFEs have a significantly lower warming potential than HFCs. Unlike HFCs. HFEs have almost zero contribution to ozone depletion. Though they are still classified as greenhouse gases, HFEs have very short lifetimes in the atmosphere, specifically around only two weeks, as opposed to HFCs’ 15 to 29-year atmospheric lifetime.
Other than being eco-friendly, what are some other benefits of HFEs?
Some of the best properties of HFEs as solvents include:
- Low toxicity
- Non-flammable
- Compatible with most metals and various materials
- Low surface tension
- Low viscosity
Low surface tension and viscosity allow for HFEs to work very well as degreasing products, cleaning solutions, and vapor degreasers, namely because a low surface tension will enable a cleaning fluid to reach into snug spaces because it spreads out further than high surface tension solutions would. Though HFEs typically have low toxicity, it decomposes at high temperatures to give the decomposition products of hydrogen fluoride and fluorocarbons, which can be toxic to humans.
Looking for products made of Hydrofluoroethers?
Looking for an eco-friendly reliable product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact the specialized staff here to find the best product for you! To learn about sustainable chemicals strategy, click the link here.
What is a B-Corporation?
/in Eco Friendly, Ecolink Community/by Industrial DegreasersImagine a business with purpose and transparency. A business determined to make a positive impact on the environment and communities embedded. That is a B-Corporation.
A B-Corporation, also known as B Corp or Certified B Corporation, is a company that has decided to undergo a verification process through B-Lab (a non-profit) that certifies that the business has committed to its mission, and has willing to exhibit the highest set standards for social and environmental performance.
What is the Purpose of a B-Corporation?
B-Corporations engage and promote adaptation and innovation through positive social and environmental practices. Being a B-Corporation has several benefits internally and externally. Whether you’re a small start-up company or a large, rapidly growing company, you can apply for B-Corporation certification. While the process can be challenging the impact of being a B-Corporation is powerful.
What Can a B-Corporation Do?
How to Become a B-Corporation?
Remember, the process is complex but keeping a few things in mind when trying to become certified will save you a bit of time! In order to become a B-Corporation, one must demonstrate the following:
Your business must demonstrate the highest set standards of business practices.
Make a promise to have a positive influence on the world and follow through!
Benefits of a Certification
How is Ecolink Making A Change?
Here at Ecolink, we look forward to servicing your company! We too are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. We provide products you can rely on and guess what? They’re not harmful to the environment! Get in contact with one of our team members today to see how you can integrate quality and promising chemical products into your business!
Hydrofluorocarbons Versus Hydrofluoroethers
/in Sustainable Chemicals Strategy/by Industrial DegreasersHydrofluorocarbons present may have emissions properties that are not ideal for the environment. Hydrofluoroethers on the other hand have properties that promote eco-friendliness. Keep reading below to learn more about hydrofluorocarbons versus hydrofluoroethers.
\What are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Hydrofluorocarbons are a group of artificial compounds, also classified as greenhouse gases, that is composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Most are colorless, odorless, and nonreactive. This group of compounds is commonly used for cooling systems and other applications, including:
What is wrong with HFCs?
Unfortunately, hydrofluorocarbons have a relatively negative reputation as being powerful contributors to global warming, with certain HFCs, such as trifluoromethane, having a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Though HFCs replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a safer alternative to the environment, HFCs still have a very high warming potential and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is increasing at a rapid rate, specifically at around 10% to 15% percent every year.
What are hydrofluoroethers (HFEs)?
Hydrofluoroethers are a group of organic solvents that were formulated as an alternative to environmentally harmful chemicals, such as HFCs and CFCs. HFEs have multiple applications as industrial chemicals, including:
Are HFEs better than HFCs?
In terms of eco-friendliness, yes! HFEs have a significantly lower warming potential than HFCs. Unlike HFCs. HFEs have almost zero contribution to ozone depletion. Though they are still classified as greenhouse gases, HFEs have very short lifetimes in the atmosphere, specifically around only two weeks, as opposed to HFCs’ 15 to 29-year atmospheric lifetime.
Other than being eco-friendly, what are some other benefits of HFEs?
Some of the best properties of HFEs as solvents include:
Low surface tension and viscosity allow for HFEs to work very well as degreasing products, cleaning solutions, and vapor degreasers, namely because a low surface tension will enable a cleaning fluid to reach into snug spaces because it spreads out further than high surface tension solutions would. Though HFEs typically have low toxicity, it decomposes at high temperatures to give the decomposition products of hydrogen fluoride and fluorocarbons, which can be toxic to humans.
Looking for products made of Hydrofluoroethers?
Looking for an eco-friendly reliable product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact the specialized staff here to find the best product for you! To learn about sustainable chemicals strategy, click the link here.
Green Chemistry – Replace Your Tired and Old Solvent Degreasers
/in Green Chemistry/by Industrial DegreasersGreen chemistry is a branch of chemistry that specially focuses on reducing the use of environmentally hazardous substances. Regarding chemicals themselves, this often means using products that are HAP-free, low-VOC or no-VOC, bio-based, biodegradable or possess other environmentally beneficial characteristics.
With so many viable green chemical options on the market, why would anyone continue to clean and degrease with old, toxic chemical solutions? Here at Ecolink, we provide a large assortment of green chemicals that are perfect for anyone looking to replace these outdated products. Read on to learn about some of our environmentally friendly offerings!
Three Green Solvents and Degreasers Offered by Ecolink
Purchase Green Chemistry from Ecolink Today
The three products described above are just a small selection of Ecolink’s offerings. We have dozens of other industrial chemical solvents and solutions to choose from, many of which are formulated with green chemical ingredients.
If you would like to discuss your current use of older, toxic chemicals and how to make the switch to greener solutions, our team would be happy to help you. Contact Ecolink today by calling 800-563-1305 or emailing info@ecolink.com!
How are HFEs better for the environment?
/in Sustainable Chemicals Strategy/by Industrial DegreasersHydrofluoroethers (HFEs) don’t cause ozone depletion, have an extremely low potential for global warming and do not have a long atmospheric lifetime. Other chemicals that perform the same function emit greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Read on to find out just how beneficial to the environment switching to HFEs can be!
HFEs Key Environmental Factors
HFEs are an environmentally smart substitute. Compared to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), HFEs have almost no effect on the environment. With zero ozone depletion, a short atmospheric lifetime, and low global warming potential, HFEs have a simplified product waste stream, reducing operational and regulatory concerns.
Why are CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs so bad?
84% of ozone depletion is caused by humans from sources such as CFCs and HCFCs. A decreased ozone concentration allows for harmful UV rays to reach the earth’s surface. Some side effects of a decrease in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere are:
Global warming can be attributed to the three chemicals trapping heat in the lower atmosphere causing the earth to warm.
By replacing CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs with HFEs in industrial and commercial processes, fewer CFCs and HFCs are emitted into the atmosphere causing environmental harm.
Affected Industries
By substituting greenhouse gas-emitting chemicals from processes, companies can prevent contributing to the destruction of the environment. Industries that would benefit from switching to HFEs include:
As industries make the switch to a cleaner substance, there is less stress to staying within EPA emission regulations since there are little to no emissions when using HFEs as opposed to CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs.
Looking for products with HFEs?
Ecolink wants to help you maintain the quality of your products and services while substituting HFEs for other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Contact us for any questions or concerns on how we can help you switch to more environmentally friendly chemicals. To learn more about sustainable chemicals strategy, click here.
How do Hydrofluoroethers work?
/in Sustainable Chemicals Strategy/by Industrial DegreasersHydrofluoroethers (HFEs) were created to replace several environmentally harmful chemicals that are used in a range of industries. With similar properties to the harmful chemicals, they offer almost all the same advantages in terms of uses but also allow for several environmentally friendly characteristics.
Applications of Hydrofluoroethers
Hydrofluoroethers are used in a variety of ways; a few distinctive uses are listed below.
How Hydrofluoroethers Work
A breakdown of each application of HFEs is described below.
Cleaning Solvents
Hydrofluoroethers are often used in conjunction with a rinse agent to create a co-solvent system that increases the cleaning power. HFEs provide a non-flammable, inert vapor blanket that is ideal for heavy oils, hot melts, greases, and flux residues. Since HFEs have low solubility in water, are compatible with a variety of surfaces, and are stable without additives, they create a cost-effective option for cleaning solvents. Their environmental characteristics also provide indirect savings in the form of no longer paying environmental regulation fees since there are minimal harmful emissions released.
Heat Transfer Fluids
Hydrofluoroethers can be used as heat transfer fluids for organic semiconductors without changing their properties. By immersing a semiconductor into the fluid, the semiconductors can cool efficiently due to the good heat conductivity and dielectric properties. Since hydrofluoroethers are orthogonal to many other solvents used in this process, they are easily recyclable. Other qualities such as non-flammable, zero ozone depletion potential, and low global warming potential are simply additional perks of working with hydrofluoroethers as a heat transfer fluid for semiconductors.
Blowing Agents
To substitute hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons with hydrofluoroethers in blowing agents, there is a minimal difference in the effect of the agent. Thanks to the similarity in physical and thermochemical properties such as low thermal conductivity, low surface tension, and inflammability, hydrofluoroethers offer the same values to a blowing agent as opposing chemicals.
Overall, HFEs provide a more environmentally friendly option while maintaining the same quality of products and services in several applications.
Looking to make sustainable chemical changes?
To learn more about hydrofluoroethers, contact us or request a quote! Ecolink strives to match each client with the best-suited chemicals for their needs! To learn more about sustainable chemicals strategy click here.