What is Neoprene Rubber Sheet and Its Uses

What is Neoprene?

So what is Neoprene made of? Neoprene rubber is a highly resistant material and is used for a variety of outdoor and marine applications. Also known as polychloroprene and invented by DuPont in 1931, it is produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene rubber resists degradation more than natural or synthetic rubber. The material has good chemical stability and is flexible over a wide range of temperatures.

Neoprene Properties

Resistant to moderate chemicals and acids, as well as fats, greases and oils, Neoprene is a very hardy material. However, the presence of strong oxidizing acids and esters will cause degradation. Ketones and chlorinated, aromatic and nitro hydrocarbons are also not suitable for use with Neoprene rubber. Find out where neoprene rubber is used.

Neoprene rubber sheeting is available in a choice of thicknesses from 1mm to 50mm with a 60 shore hardness. This is the standard hardness grade for commercial quality applications. 1.4m wide sheets are available from TYM in lengths of 5,10 and 20 metre rolls.

What is Neoprene Rubber Used For?

The rubber has superb weathering and ozone resistant properties as well as being suitable for use with greases, inorganic salts, acids, water and oils. This means that it is ideal for a whole range of outdoor uses, particularly where there is extensive exposure to water and the weather. Because of these qualities, Neoprene is also used for applications such as corrosion-resistant coatings and landfill linings.

Seals, hoses and gaskets are made from Neoprene rubber sheeting and are often used with refrigerants and oils, both animal and vegetable. Neoprene rubber sheeting is also used to provide noise isolation in power transformers and as a base for adhesives. It’s resistance to burning has led to it being used as weather stripping for fire doors. See all of our neoprene rubber products here.