neopreen

Neoprene, scientifically known as polychloroprene, is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. It was developed by DuPont in the 1930s and introduced under the trade name Neoprene. The material can be manufactured as solid elastomer and as closed-cell foams, which are used for cushioning, insulation, and various seals.

Neoprene is known for a favorable balance of properties, including good chemical stability, weather and ozone resistance, and elasticity over a wide temperature range. It maintains flexibility at low temperatures and offers reasonable abrasion resistance. Its resistance to oils and many chemicals is moderate and can vary with formulation; certain solvents and ketones can cause swelling or degradation. The performance of neoprene can be tailored by adjusting polymerization conditions and by blending with other elastomers or adding fillers, plasticizers, or crosslinking agents.

Variants of neoprene include standard solid rubbers and closed-cell neoprene foams. Foams are widely used in wetsuits, dive gear, vibration damping, gaskets, and insulation applications. Blends with other elastomers, such as nitrile rubber (NBR) or EPDM, extend or modify properties like oil resistance, heat resistance, and resilience for specific uses.

Applications span consumer gear and industrial parts, including wetsuits and other diving equipment, hoses, seals, gaskets, electrical insulation, and protective padding. Neoprene’s versatility arises from its combination of flexibility, durability, and chemical stability, making it a common choice in both daily and industrial contexts.