Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene also known as polychloroprene, was the first synthetic rubber invented by DuPont in the 1930s, as an oil resistant alternative to natural rubber

Neoprene Rubber is also known as polychloroprene, and was the first synthetic rubber invented by DuPont in the 1930s, as an oil resistant alternative to natural rubber. It is composed of polymerized chloroprene (carbon, hydrogen and chlorine polymers) which gives it a large number of desirable properties:

  • Extremely tough – it is abrasion and tear proof
  • Heat (-35C- 125C), chemical and oil resistant
  • Excellent elastic metal bonding ability
  • Adhesive and resistant to solvents
  • Weather/ozone and water resistant

 

Where is Neoprene Rubber Used?

As Neoprene has so many varying attributes and qualities, it is a very frequently used material in a whole range of industries. Neoprene Rubber’s chemical inertness makes it extremely valuable for many industrial applications including corrosion resistant coating. It is also commonly used for sealing gaskets. In addition it is often the material of choice in electrical applications as an insulator.

As it is also abrasion, tear and oil/solvent resistant, Neoprene Rubber is commonly used in the Automotive industry (window/door seals, belts, shock absorber seals) and its flexibility and durability also makes it a popular material in the medical arena.

Lastly its weathering and heat resistance qualities mean it is frequently used in the marine environment as well as construction (window seals, gaskets, washers, pads, O rings and Extrusions).

 

Are there any limits to Neoprene?

Neoprene has few practical limitations as it displays so many varied properties. It is higher in price than many other general purpose synthetic rubbers, but often its enhanced performance in many areas such as weathering resistance, oil/chemical resistance and durability make it a cost effective proposition for industry. Another slight downside is that Neoprene is not resistant to oxidizing acids and some other chemicals.

 

Fun Fact!

Neoprene is often the material of choice used in spacesuits and can also be found in many clothing items because of its flexibility and resilience. It is often a regular material in contemporary fashion with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen using it in their collections.

 

Need any material advice or assistance?

Here at Delta Rubber, we are able to supply numerous products using a large variety of different grades of Neoprene rubber, including rubber sheet and roll, rubber strip, seals and gaskets.

Please contact us for our expert advice on materials for any project.