Neoprene
Neoprene (CR) has good all-round properties and resists degradation from sun, ozone and weather.
Typical applications
- Refrigeration seals
- Gaskets
- Hoses
- Car fan belts
Advantages
Disadvantages
Properties
Resistance
Advantages
- Good all-round properties
- Resists degradation from sun, ozone and weather
- Performs well in contact with oils and many chemicals
- Remains useful over a wide temperature range
- Displays outstanding physical toughness
- Resists burning inherently better than exclusively hydrocarbon rubbers
- Outstanding resistance to damage caused by flexing and twisting
Disadvantages
- Attacked by strong oxidizing acids, esters, ketones, chlorinated, aromatic and nitro hydrocarbons
- Limited flexibility at low temperatures
Properties
| Available hardness range (Shore A) | 30 – 90 |
| Upper continuous service temp | 95°C |
| Maximum Intermittent | 125°C |
| Min. temp. for sealing applications | -40°C |
| Minimum non-brittle temp | -50°C |
| Tensile strength (up to) | 23 MPa |
| Elongation at break (up to) | 450% |
Resistance
| ASTM 1 Oil | Excellent |
| ASTM 2 Oil | Good |
| ASTM 3 Oil | Good |
| ASTM Fuel B @ 40°C | Poor |
| Kerosene | Good |
| Liquid B | None |
| Liquid 101 | None |
| Phosphate ester | None |
| Ketone | Average |
| Toluene | None |
| Iso-octane | Average |
| Methanol | Excellent |
| Acid (weak) | Good |
| Acid (strong) | None |
| Base (weak) | Good |
| Base (strong) | Average |
| Hydrogen sulphide | Average |
| Steam | Average |
| Ozone | Good |
| Radiation | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Key Properties of Neoprene?
Neoprene, also known as polychloroprene, is a type of synthetic rubber that is highly valued for its diverse range of properties and applications. It is particularly valued for its excellent resistance to weather elements like sunlight, ozone, and rain, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Neoprene also exhibits superior chemical stability, resisting oils, solvents, and many hydrocarbons, which is essential for industrial uses. It maintains its flexibility over a broad temperature range, typically from -40°C to +120°C, ensuring performance under extreme conditions. Additionally, neoprene is water-resistant, durable against physical wear such as abrasion, and inherently flame-resistant, making it suitable for protective gear and marine applications. Its moderate elasticity allows it to withstand flexing and bending without permanent deformation, further broadening its usability across automotive, construction, and electronic sectors.
What Are the Different Grades of Neoprene?
Neoprene is available in various grades, each tailored for specific applications and performance requirements. The grades differ primarily based on flexibility, chemical resistance, and durability to suit different needs ranging from general-purpose applications to specialized industrial uses.
- Commercial Grade Neoprene: This is a general-purpose grade, often used in a wide range of applications. It offers a good balance of properties including resistance to water, oil, UV light, and fuel, making it suitable for many everyday industrial and consumer applications.
- British Standard BS2752 Neoprene: This is a high-performance grade that meets specific British Standards. It’s designed for applications that require a higher level of durability and resistance to wear and tear, as well as excellent flexibility and oil resistance.
- Expanded Neoprene/EPDM Sponge Rubber: This grade combines Neoprene with EPDM to enhance its insulation properties, making it ideal for sealing and cushioning applications where airtight and watertight seals are necessary.
- Flame Retardant Neoprene: Specifically developed to improve safety in applications where there is a risk of fire, this grade is treated to resist combustion and is suitable for use in environments where fire resistance is a priority.
Each grade of neoprene brings unique properties to the table, making it crucial to select the right type based on the specific demands of your application. Contact Keaflex directly to find out which grade of neoprene is most suitable for your unique project.
What Are the Typical Applications of Moulded Neoprene Products?
Neoprene finds widespread use across various industries due to its robust properties such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors like water, weather, and certain chemicals. In the automotive industry, neoprene is highly valued for manufacturing components like hoses, belts, and gaskets. Its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and resist degradation from oils and chemicals makes it a dependable choice for under-the-hood applications and automotive seals.
Additionally, neoprene’s water resistance and thermal insulation properties make it ideal for marine and water sports equipment. It is commonly used in the production of wetsuits, diving suits, and life vests, providing comfort and protection in aquatic environments. In the consumer market, neoprene is popular for creating protective gear such as laptop sleeves, orthopaedic braces, and even footwear, due to its cushioning effect and flexibility. The material is also utilised in construction, serving as a reliable option for vibration dampening and insulation applications, including window seals and bridge bearings. For more detailed information about neoprene or to find out its suitability for your individual project, please contact Keaflex directly.
How Does Neoprene Compare to Nitrile Rubber?
Neoprene and nitrile rubber are popular choices in the rubber moulding industry, each having distinct properties that suit specific applications. Neoprene excels in outdoor and marine environments because of its robust weather resistance, good chemical stability, and excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for automotive parts and consumer goods like wetsuits. In contrast, nitrile rubber is essential in applications requiring strong resistance to oils and hydrocarbons, such as in automotive and aerospace parts, and is also used for disposable gloves in healthcare due to its superior barrier protection against contaminants.
In terms of ease of moulding, neoprene is generally considered easier to work with compared to nitrile rubber. Neoprene’s flexibility and good flow properties during the moulding process make it more suitable for producing intricate designs and fine details. This flexibility facilitates easier filling of mould cavities, especially in complex shapes, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications that require detailed moulding. On the other hand, nitrile rubber, known for its durability and resistance to abrasion, tends to be stiffer and less flexible, which can make the moulding process more challenging. This stiffness often requires more precise control of moulding conditions, such as temperature and pressure, to achieve the desired results. The need for greater precision can make nitrile rubber less versatile for complex moulding tasks, especially when fine detailing is needed. At Keaflex, we can advise you on the best material choice for your project’s specific needs. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information and guidance.
What Are the Limitations of Using Neoprene?
Whilst Neoprene offers many advantages in rubber moulding, it also comes with certain disadvantages that might impact its suitability for specific applications. One notable drawback is its cost, as neoprene tends to be more expensive than some other synthetic rubbers such as natural rubber or SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber). This higher cost can be a limiting factor, particularly in budget-sensitive projects or large-scale productions. Additionally, neoprene offers only moderate resistance to oils and solvents, which is significantly lower than materials like nitrile rubber. This makes it less ideal for applications exposed to aggressive chemicals or oils that could degrade the material.
Additionally, while neoprene is adequate for applications involving moderate temperatures, it does not handle extreme heat as well as silicone rubber, which can withstand higher temperature ranges. This thermal limitation restricts its use in high-temperature environments. Lastly, neoprene’s stiffness compared to more flexible materials like natural rubber can also be a drawback in applications that require high elasticity and flexibility, potentially affecting the ease of installation and the performance of the final product.
Whilst neoprene has its drawbacks, here at Keaflex we are well equipped to mitigates theses disadvantages. Our technical team provides expert advice on the optimal use of neoprene, ensuring that it is deployed in applications where its properties can be fully utilised without leading to performance issues. We offer comprehensive support in selecting alternative materials when neoprene’s properties may not be the best fit for a project’s requirements.
Can Neoprene be Recycled?
Neoprene can be recycled, though the process is not as straightforward as recycling materials like metals or plastics. Neoprene recycling involves breaking down old neoprene products into small pieces that can then be repurposed into new products such as change mats, yoga mats, and other items. The recycling process typically involves shredding the neoprene into small granules, which can then be used to create new composite materials. This approach helps to extend the life of neoprene materials and reduces the environmental impact, as neoprene is a petroleum-based product and is not biodegradable. Various initiatives and programs are available that focus on upcycling or downcycling neoprene products, especially in the wetsuit industry, to prevent them from ending up in landfills.
