What Are Fluorinated Solvents?

What Are Fluorinated Solvents?

Fluorinated solvents are fluorine-based cleaning solvents widely used in a range of industries. They are more environmentally friendly and safer to work with compared to other solvents that release greenhouse gases and emit strong vapors. As a preferred choice in many industries, fluorinated chemicals are used to protect the environment and the health of the workers without compromising the performance or the profitability of products.  

Characteristics of Fluorinated Solvents 

Fluorinated solvents make safer working environments for employees based on the attributes of the solvent. A few notable characteristics include: 

  • Nonexplosive 
  • Nonflammable 
  • High Solvency Strength 
  • Quick Evaporation Rate 
  • Lower Surface Tension 
  • Low Boiling Point 
  • Minimal Odor 
  • Stable (no need for stabilizer additives)

Industries and Applications 

By using fluorinated solvents as opposed to other harmful solvents, industries are able to have a safer workplace for their employees. A few of the industries where the switch to a cleaner solvent can be made are: 

  • Automotive 
  • Electronics and Semiconductors 
  • Healthcare 
  • Plastics and Polymers 

In those industries, some common uses for fluorinated solvents include: 

  • Vapor Degreasing 
  • Precision Cleaning 
  • Defluxing of Electronics 
  • Carrier fluid for lubricants

Environmentally Responsible Solvents 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and is trying to reduce the amount produced to protect the environment.  

Some of the chemicals being restricted by the EPA include: 

  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) 
  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 
  • N-propyl bromides (nPB) 
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 
  • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) 

All these chemicals can be replaced with fluorinated solvents to reduce the possible consequences enforced by the EPA and to prevent the destruction of the atmosphere. The replacement is likely to be an easy switch since the fluorinated solvent can directly replace the current substance without needing any additional equipment. Unlike the chemicals listed above, fluorinated solvents cause: 

  • No air pollution 
  • No ozone depletion 
  • Low global warming potential 

By reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced, a company can worry less about EPA regulations and compliance costs. 

Contact Us For Fluorinated Solvents! 

Are you considering switching to a more environmentally and worker-safe solvent? To learn more about fluorinated solvents, contact us or request a quote! LssChemical is here to answer all your questions and help find the best product for your needs!