polychloropren

Polychloropren, commonly known in English as neoprene, is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. The resulting polymer, polychloroprenes, can be manufactured in various grades and architectures, including emulsion- and solution-polymerized forms. This allows a range of molecular weights, comonomers, and performance profiles to suit different applications. Neoprene was developed in the early 1930s and has since become widely used under many trade names.

Polychloroprenes are valued for their chemical and weather resistance, and for retaining flexibility over a broad temperature range. They exhibit good oil tolerance and resistance to many solvents, along with outstanding resistance to ozone and aging compared with natural rubber. The material can maintain elasticity at low temperatures, though its elasticity and resilience are generally lower than those of natural rubber and some other synthetic elastomers. Heat resistance is moderate; prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to degradation in some formulations. The exact properties depend on the polymer grade, formulation, and curing system used.

Applications of polychloroprenes are diverse. They are used in wetsuits and other protective clothing, hoses, belts, gaskets, seals, vibration dampers, electrical insulation, and coatings. They are also employed in automotive, aerospace, and construction components, as well as in adhesives and as an impact-resistant stator insulation material in electrical equipment.

Safety and environmental aspects center on chloroprene monomer handling during production, as occupational exposure is regulated. Finished products are generally stable, but recycling and devulcanization of polychloroprenes require specialized processes.