Perfluorocarbon is used in medical sciences for offering liquid ventilation. It is a specialized variety of chemical, a potent greenhouse gas. It is a clear, nonflammable, colorless, non-conducting and odorless type of liquid. PFC is also used in refrigeration units and fire extinguishers.
PFCs are estimated to possess a lifetime of around 50,000 years. As per a 2003 study, tetrafluoromethane was the most common and widely found variety of PFC. Tetrafluoromethane’s greenhouse warming potential (GWP) is around 6,500 times greater than carbon dioxide. Hexafluoroethane GWP is 9,200 times higher to that compared to carbon dioxide. Kyoto Protocol has specified regulations for PFC due to its properties as a global warming agent. PFOS and PFOA are bigger PFC compounds, which persist in global environment. Perfluorocarbons consist of items like hexafluoroethane (C2F6) and tetrafluoromethane (CF4). These greenhouse gases are mainly used in industrial production of aluminum. A high GWP and a long lifespan have made PFCs a matter of concern in modern day world.
Thus in summary, Perfluorocarbons refer to a group of man-made chemicals comprising carbon and fluorine. They were initiated as substitutes of ozone depleting substances. Industry, manufacturing and medical profession makes extensive use of PFCs. Though PFCs do not affect the ozone layer they are nevertheless potent global warming gases. CF4 possess a GWP of 6,500. The comparable number for C2F6 is 9,200. So inspite of its potential benefits present day world, much concerned about issue of global warming is concerned about volume and usage of PFCs and ways of reducing them.
|