Material Guide: Chloroprene (Neoprene®) Rubber

Our Guide To CR Rubber – Chloroprene (Neoprene®) Rubber

Created in 1930 by DuPont, Neoprene® (CR) was initially introduced as an air and oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber. As a result of this, Neoprene® was the very first mass-produced synthetic rubber on the market. CR Polychloroprene (Neoprene®) is a great general purpose rubber material option that can be manufactured in a range of different ways to suit an array of environments and applications. 

What Are The Advantages Of CR Rubber?

CR Rubber was one of the world’s first oil-resistant synthetic rubbers. This general-purpose rubber has an excellent balance of physical and chemical properties that make it suitable in a range of applications. 

Whilst it may only have a moderate resistance to petroleum-based oil and fuels, CR has a much better chemical, oil, ozone and heat resistance than natural rubber, despite the lower level of physical properties. 

One major benefit of Neoprene® rubber is that by nature, CR rubber is one of the few self-extinguishing rubbers, which means it has incredible flame resistance. Additionally, its gas permeability is relatively low. 

For industrial applications, Neoprene® gives excellent rubber-metal bonds and also has good levels of rebound resilience within testing environments.

What Are The Disadvantages Of CR Rubber?

As you may expect from its widespread use for underwater wear, including wetsuits and diving costumes, Neoprene® is water-resistant. However, whilst this is suitable for underwater clothing, Neoprene® also exhibits poor electrical properties. 

Unfortunately, there are certain grades of Neoprene® that may crystallise and harden when they are stored for a long time. Although, thankfully, they will melt on heating to make them easier to process again!

What Are The Typical Applications Of Neoprene?

CR Rubber is widely used in various applications due to its useful properties and reasonable price point. This is why Neoprene suits belting, coated fabrics, cable jackets, seals and gaiters. 

What Is The Typical Working Temperature Of Neoprene?

CR Rubber works in a range of temperatures from -35°C to +100°C.

What Are The Disadvantages Of CR Rubber?

As you may expect from its widespread use for underwater wear, including wetsuits and diving costumes, Neoprene® is water-resistant. However, whilst this is suitable for underwater clothing, Neoprene® also exhibits poor electrical properties. 

Unfortunately, there are certain grades of Neoprene® that may crystallise and harden when they are stored for a long time. Although, thankfully, they will melt on heating to make them easier to process again!

What Are The Typical Applications Of Neoprene?

CR Rubber is widely used in various applications due to its useful properties and reasonable price point. This is why Neoprene suits belting, coated fabrics, cable jackets, seals and gaiters. 

What Is The Typical Working Temperature Of Neoprene?

CR Rubber works in a range of temperatures from -35°C to +100°C.

Looking for more detailed information on the different types of rubbers and polymers we work with? Then check out our material guides where you can find FAQ’s and more guides like this one detailing all you need to know. If you are looking for rubber or polymer products get in touch with DLR Elastomer today via our contact page or via LinkedIn and we can chat over your requirements.