Neopreeni

Neoprene, or polychloroprene, is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. It was developed by DuPont in the 1930s and has since become a versatile elastomer used in a wide range of products. Neoprene is available in solid rubber forms and as foams, the latter being common in insulation and impact-absorbing applications.

Neoprene is produced by emulsion or suspension polymerization of chloroprene, sometimes with small amounts of comonomers or additives to tailor properties. The resulting materials are characterized by good chemical stability, ozone and weather resistance, and elasticity over a wide temperature range. Neoprene resists water and many oils better than natural rubber, though its resistance to aggressive solvents can be limited. Foam grades provide light weight, cushioning, and thermal insulation.

Common applications include wetsuits and other diving gear, gloves, sleeves, and seals; gaskets and O-rings for automotive and industrial use; hoses and tubing; electrical insulation and vibration damping. Neoprene is also used in medical devices, sports equipment, and building materials where its combination of flexibility and resistance is advantageous.

Environmental and safety considerations: neoprene is not readily biodegradable, and production relies on chlorine-containing monomers derived from fossil fuels. Recycling options exist for some grades, but end-of-life management is limited. Proper handling and disposal follow standard chemical-safety guidelines.

History and overview: After its introduction in the 1930s, neoprene quickly found applications in many industries due to its balanced properties, including resistance to weather and oil and its resilience across temperature changes. Today it is manufactured by multiple producers worldwide and remains one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers.