What is Neoprene Rubber?
Neoprene Rubber is a synthetic elastomer that exhibits remarkable properties including excellent chemical resistance, weather and ageing resistance, outstanding durability and versatile sealing capabilities. Composed of polymerized chloroprene, Neoprene rubber is a highly sought after material for a range of professional industry applications.
Key Takeaways:
- There are various grades of Neoprene rubber available including Commercial Grade Neoprene Rubber, British Standard BS2752 Neoprene Rubber, Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber, Flame Retardant Neoprene Rubber and Neoprene/Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber.
- Neoprene rubber was first developed in the 1930’s and has since become one of the most popular rubber materials worldwide, adopted by many industries such as Automotive, Construction, Marine & Aquatic, Electrical, Engineering and Aerospace & Defence.
- Neoprene rubber offers excellent properties including resistance to weathering, UV light, water, chemicals, and ozone.
- There are many benefits to using Neoprene rubber such as its resistance properties, outstanding durability, anti-vibration & shock absorption properties and its cost-effectiveness.
- Delta Rubber Limited stock and sell Neoprene rubber grades through our online shop, available in different forms including rubber rolls & sheet, cut rubber strip, gaskets, washers, extrusions, O-rings and much more.
History of Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene rubber was the first synthetic rubber developed by Dupont in the 1930’s, created through a process called polymerization, where chloroprene molecules are chemically bonded together to form a durable and flexible material. Neoprene was originally invented as an oil resistance alternative material to Natural Rubber but has since gained vast popularity, now Neoprene is one of the most used elastomers worldwide and can be found in many different applications.
Grades of Neoprene Rubber
There are various grades of Neoprene rubber available, some of the most common include:
- Commercial Grade Neoprene
- British Standard BS2752 Neoprene Rubber
- Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Closed-Cell Sponge
- Flame Retardant Neoprene
- Neoprene Nylon Insertion Diaphragm
Each grade of Neoprene rubber offers specific advantages, catering to different application requirements. Selecting the appropriate material based on the desired properties, performance, specifications, and environmental conditions of the intended application is crucial. Understanding the specific benefits of each grade of Neoprene allows for informed decision-making when choosing the most suitable solution for your project.
Why use Neoprene Rubber?
Neoprene rubber stands out as a preferred material across multiple industries due to its exceptional properties. Let’s delve into the compelling reasons behind the widespread use and high regard for the elastomer:
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: Neoprene rubber exhibits remarkable resistance to a wide range of oils, greases, solvents, and chemicals. This makes it suitable for applications where exposure to such substances is common, providing long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Weather and Ageing Resistance: Neoprene rubber can maintain its integrity and performance even in harsh outdoor environments, ensuring longevity and reliability. This is due to the elastomers resistance to ozone, UV radiation and weathering in general.
- Flexibility Across Temperature Extremes: Neoprene rubber can retain its flexibility and elastic properties across a broad temperature range. It remains pliable and functional in both high and low temperature conditions, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications in various climate conditions.
- Outstanding Durability: Neoprene rubber is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, tear and wear. With the ability to withstand heavy usage and demanding conditions, it is suitable for applications that require long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Impact Resistance: Neoprene rubber provides excellent shock absorption and impact resistance. It helps to protect against sudden impacts or vibrations, making it valuable in applications where impact resistance is required, such as protective gear or industrial equipment.
- Versatile Sealing Properties: Neoprene rubber offers excellent sealing capabilities and is one of the preferred elastomers for the manufacturing of gaskets, seals, washers and O-rings. Its ability to create tight, air-tight seals helps to prevent leaks and provides effective insulation.
The unique combination of these properties makes Neoprene rubber a popular choice in industries such as automotive, construction, marine, electrical, and more. Its reliability, durability, and resistance to various factors ensure optimal performance and contribute to cost-effectiveness in the long run. The following section will look into specific applications of Neoprene rubber within these industries.
What is Neoprene Rubber used for?
Automotive:
In the automotive sector, Neoprene rubber is frequently employed for gaskets and seals, ensuring dependable airtight and leak-free seals. The elastomers outstanding resistance to oil, fuel and heat also makes it well suited for the production of hoses and belts used in engines and other automotive systems. Additionally, Neoprene rubber’s capability to absorb and dissipate vibrations proves valuable in reducing noise and vibration in vehicle components, thereby enhancing overall comfort and performance.
Construction:
Neoprene rubber is widely used for weatherstripping within the construction sector, where its UV and weather resistance properties make it an ideal solution for providing effective sealing and insulation against the outdoor elements. The construction industry also relies on Neoprene rubber for use in expansion joints, serving to accommodate movement and prevent structural damages caused by thermal expansion and contraction and building infrastructure.
Marine & Aquatic:
In the marine and aquatic domain, Neoprene rubber’s water resistance and insulation properties make it the go-to choice for equipment including wetsuits, gloves, boots and other protective gear used for watersports and diving. It’s also well suited for seals and gaskets found in marine equipment or boats, ensuring reliable performance and preventing water ingress that could potentially cause damages.
Electrical:
Neoprene rubber exhibits excellent dielectric properties and is suitable for cable insulation within the electrical industries, commonly used to provide insulation and protection against electrical currents or environmental factors. It can also be used in electrical connectors and sealing applications, offering a reliable and moisture-resistant connection.
Engineering:
Within the engineering sector, Neoprene rubber serves many purposes and can be used for a wide range of applications. It is particularly valuable for vibration isolation, where it effectively dampens vibrations to improve the performance and ability of sensitive equipment. Another common use is sealing applications such as O-rings and gaskets, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection for engineering systems and impact resistance for delicate instruments.
Aerospace & Defence:
The aerospace & defence sector relies on Neoprene rubber for vibration in isolation mounts, serving to enhance performance and accuracy by reducing vibrations in equipment. It can also be used to safeguard delicate aircraft systems and instruments from external forces, where its excellent physical properties and durability can benefit the industry. O-rings and seals are also commonly manufactured from Neoprene rubber due to its chemical, oil and temperature resistance, offering a dependable air-tight seal in diverse aerospace or defence systems.
Benefits of Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene rubber is widely recognized as an exceptional elastomer, offering a multitude of benefits that make it highly desirable in various industries. When we explore the elastomers properties, we can uncover the prominent advantages of Neoprene rubber:
Resistance Properties:
Neoprene rubber boasts exceptional chemical resistance properties, making it a versatile and often preferred choice in many applications. Its resistance to weathering ensures longevity of life and continued performance even in challenging outdoor environments. Neoprene rubber is highly resistant to UV radiation, preventing degradation and maintaining its integrity even when exposed to direct sunlight, while it can maintain flexibility and functionality in both high or low temperatures. Additionally, its resistance to chemicals safeguards against damages caused by oils, greases and solvent.
Durability:
Neoprene rubber is renowned for its durability, making it an excellent long-term investment. It exhibits exceptional resistance to abrasion, tearing, and wear, ensuring extended service life and reduced need for replacements. Neoprene rubber’s inherent strength and resilience enable it to withstand heavy usage and harsh conditions, making it a reliable choice for demanding applications. Its durability contributes to overall cost savings and enhances the reliability of components and systems.
Anti-Vibration and Shock Absorption:
Neoprene rubber possesses remarkable anti-vibration and shock absorption properties. It effectively dampens vibrations, minimising noise and enhancing comfort in various applications. Neoprene rubber’s ability to absorb and disperse impact energy makes it valuable for protecting delicate components and equipment from sudden impacts or vibrations. This property is crucial in industries such as automotive, construction, and machinery, where vibration control and shock absorption are essential for optimal performance and safety.
Cost Effectiveness:
Compared to other elastomers, Neoprene rubber is relatively more affordable, making it an economical choice for various applications. Its durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, resulting in long-term cost savings. Neoprene rubber’s resistance to wear and tear ensures prolonged service life, minimising downtime and maintenance costs. The combination of affordability and durability makes Neoprene rubber an attractive option for industries aiming for cost-effective solutions.
Easy Adhesion:
Neoprene rubber exhibits excellent adhesion properties, making it compatible with different metals and fabrics. Its surface can be easily bonded to various substrates, allowing for secure and reliable connections. Neoprene rubber’s compatibility with adhesives and its ability to adhere to diverse materials make it a versatile material for applications such as seals, gaskets, and fabric bonding. The ease of adhesion enhances the efficiency and reliability of assembly processes.
What are the different types of Neoprene Rubber?
There are many grades of Neoprene rubber on the market, each offering varied properties, applications and benefits. To ensure you are choosing the correct material for your project, it’s important to understand the difference between each grade and their unique attributes.
Commercial Grade Neoprene Rubber
Our most popular grade of Neoprene rubber, offering a cost-effective solution that’s suitable for many general-purpose industry applications. Referred to as ‘DC20’, our commercial grade Neoprene rubber is resistant to water, oil, UV light and fuel. The material holds good physical properties that mean its highly durable, flexible and resistant to abrasion or tearing.
- Hardness: 60° ± 5° Shore A
- Temperature Range: -20°C to +110°C
- Tensile Strength: 5.0 min [MPA]
- Elongation at break: 300%
- Tear Resistance: 20
British Standard BS2752 Neoprene Rubber
A superior grade of Neoprene rubber that complies with British Standard BS2752 specifications and is suitable for projects demanding a high-performance material. BS2752 Neoprene offers excellent mechanical properties including the ability to withstand high levels of wear and tear, flexibility, durability and is resistant to oils, greases, water, ozone, chemicals, UV light and acids.
- Hardness: 40 to 70 ± 5° Shore A
- Temperature Range: -30°C to +110°C
- Tensile Strength: 9 to 13 min [MPA]
- Elongation at break: 300% to 450%
- Tear Resistance: N/A
Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber:
Our closed-cell Expanded Neoprene/EPDM sponge rubber combines the outstanding properties of Neoprene with EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) to create a cellular structure with closed air-filled pockets. Offering a waterproof sponge rubber blend with excellent resistance to air and UV light, good resistance to acids and superior cushioning, insulation and vibration dampening properties.
- Hardness: 36 ± 5° Shore A
- Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C
- Tensile Strength: >500 [MPA]
- Elongation at break: >180%
- Tear Resistance: N/A
Flame Retardant Neoprene Rubber:
A specialist grade of Neoprene rubber that has been classed as NCB158 / P92-507 Class M2 Flame Retardant. Formulated to resist ignition and prevent the spread of flames, flame retardant neoprene helps to provide safety in applications where fire resistance is critical. The material also holds the important physical and mechanical properties of Neoprene.
- Hardness: 70 ± 5° Shore A
- Temperature Range: -30°C to +120°C
- Tensile Strength: 20 min [MPA]
- Elongation at break: 250%
- Tear Resistance: 20
Neoprene/Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber:
Featuring a 1ply layer of Nylon embedded within Neoprene rubber, our diaphragm sheet is designed to provide enhanced strength, tear resistance and durability, making it suitable for the most demanding applications. Additionally Neoprene/Nylon Insertion Diaphragm rubber offers excellent mechanical properties and resistance to water, oil, UV light and fuels.
- Hardness: 60 ± 5° IRHD
- Temperature Range: -30°C to +120°C
- Tensile Strength: 130 Kg/CM2
- Elongation at break: 350%
- Tear Resistance: 35
Where can you buy Neoprene Rubber?
As leading UK manufacturers and worldwide suppliers of rubber sheet, at Delta Rubber Limited we have a vast range of Neoprene rubber in stock at our Dorset headquarters including Commercial Grade Neoprene Rubber, British Standard BS2752 Neoprene Rubber, Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber, Flame Retardant Neoprene Rubber and Neoprene/Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber.
Our Neoprene rubber range is sold by the roll, in sheet form or manufactured to bespoke components such as cut-rubber strip, gaskets, washers, seals, extrusions, and O-rings if required. Our access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, combined with our 90 years industry experience allows us to offer a level of service unrivalled in the industry. For more information on our manufacturing capabilities click here.
- Commercial Grade Neoprene Rubber – Available in sheet form in thicknesses from 1mm to 25mm thick (larger thicknesses available upon request), sheet sizes measuring 1.4 metres wide and any length from 1 metre to a full 10 metre roll. DC20 Neoprene cut rubber strip is also available, sold in widths ranging from 10mm to 500mm wide and standard lengths of 5 metres.
- British Standard BS2752 Neoprene Rubber – Specification BS2752 Neoprene is available in varied Shore A hardness grades from 40° to 70°, thicknesses from 1.5mm to 6mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request) and standard sheet sizes measuring 1.4 metres wide. We offer British Standard Neoprene in any length from 1 metre to a 10 metre roll.
- Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber – Expanded Neoprene/EPDM sponge is available plain, or with self-adhesive backing if required. The closed-cell sponge is available in thicknesses from 1.5mm to 25mm (larger thicknesses available upon request), sheet sizes measuring 1 metre wide and sold in lengths varying from 1 metre to 10 metres long. Expanded Neoprene/Epdm cut rubber strip is also available in many sizes to suit almost any application.
- Flame Retardant Neoprene Rubber – We stock and sell Flame Retardant Neoprene rubber sheet at 1.4 metres wide, sold in lengths from 2 metres to a full 10 metre roll and thicknesses from 1.5mm to 10mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request). If you require Flame Retardant Neoprene rubber strips, please contact us for assistance.
- Neoprene Nylon/Insertion Diaphragm Rubber – Available in 1 metre x 1.5 metre sheet form or sold as full 1.5 metre x 10 metre rolls. We offer standard thicknesses of 1.5mm to 3mm (other thicknesses available upon request) and have the facilities to produce bespoke diaphragm components as per your specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is Neoprene rubber good for?
Neoprene rubber is good for many different applications across a range of professional industries including Automotive, Construction, Marine & Aquatic, Aerospace and Defence, Engineering and Electrical. The material has many uses due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties.
What are the disadvantages of Neoprene rubber?
Neoprene rubber is one of the most popular elastomers on the market due to its long list of benefits, however there is one key disadvantage worth noting. Neoprene rubber is not resistant to oxidising acids and harsh chemicals, therefore applications involving these fluids would require another rubber solution.
Is Neoprene rubber hard or soft?
The level of hardness depends solely upon the grade of Neoprene rubber you select. Our expanded Neoprene/EPDM closed-cell sponge is a foam material and offers more compressibility than its solid counterparts. Our range of solid Neoprene rubber varies in hardness from 40° to 70° Shore A.
Is Neoprene rubber waterproof?
Neoprene rubber is entirely waterproof and is suitable for outdoor or marine applications involving water. The water resistance capabilities of Neoprene rubber is one of the primary reasons the material is chosen as the go-to wet suit material.
Is Neoprene rubber strong?
Neoprene rubber offers a relatively high tensile strength and good elongation properties, similar in strength to natural rubber. We recommend Neoprene rubber for most general-purpose applications, where it will consistently perform well.