Final answer:
Silicone elastomers used in seals and gaskets are not compatible with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are harmful to the ozone layer. Alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are more environmentally friendly and compatible with silicone materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Silicone elastomers are commonly used in the manufacture of seals and gaskets due to their excellent properties such as flexibility, resistance to extreme temperatures, and durability. However, they have compatibility issues with certain types of refrigerants, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
CFCs have been used extensively in the past as refrigerants, solvents, and in the production of foam blowing agents due to their non-toxic, non-flammable, and stable characteristics. However, CFCs have a high ozone depletion potential. The stability of CFC molecules allows them to reach the upper atmosphere intact, where ultraviolet radiation then breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms that destroy the ozone layer. This has led to international regulations phasing out their use in many applications, including in refrigeration systems.
Alternative refrigerants that are more compatible with silicone elastomers and environmentally friendly, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been developed as replacements for CFCs. These alternatives still provide the necessary industrial applications but have a lower impact on the ozone layer and are generally more compatible with silicone elastomer seals and gaskets.