Neoprene (Chloroprene) Rubber: Versatile All-Purpose Synthetic Elastomer
Neoprene, also known as Polychloroprene or Chloroprene Rubber (CR), is a balanced synthetic elastomer offering excellent resistance to weather, oils, chemicals, and physical wear. Originally developed as one of the first synthetic rubbers, neoprene has become the industry standard for applications requiring moderate resistance across multiple exposure conditions—making it the "jack-of-all-trades" in elastomer selection.
Key Properties of Neoprene Rubber
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Balanced Chemical Resistance: Good resistance to oils, greases, mild acids, alkalis, and aliphatic hydrocarbons
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Weather & Ozone Resistance: Excellent outdoor durability with superior UV and ozone resistance
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Temperature Range: Performs from -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 120°C)
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Flame Resistance: Self-extinguishing properties—superior to most other elastomers
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Physical Strength: High tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance
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Water Resistance: Excellent resistance to water, steam, and refrigerants
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Flexibility: Maintains good flexibility across wide temperature range
Common Applications & Uses
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Automotive: Belts, hoses, gaskets, seals, vibration mounts, CV joint boots
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Industrial: Conveyor belts, rollers, expansion joints, protective coatings
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Marine & Diving: Wetsuits, drysuits, marine seals, dock fenders
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HVAC & Refrigeration: Gaskets, seals, hoses for refrigerant systems
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Electrical: Cable jacketing, wire insulation, electrical enclosures
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Construction: Bridge bearings, expansion joints, weatherstripping, adhesives
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Medical & Safety: Protective gloves, medical tubing, safety equipment
Advantages of Neoprene
- Versatile all-purpose elastomer with balanced resistance to multiple exposure conditions
- Excellent weather, ozone, and UV resistance for outdoor applications
- Good oil and fuel resistance—superior to natural rubber, SBR, and EPDM
- Self-extinguishing flame resistance for safety-critical applications
- High physical strength with excellent tear and abrasion resistance
- Resistant to refrigerants (R-12, R-22, ammonia)
- Good adhesion properties for bonding and laminating
- Wide availability and established processing methods
Limitations & Disadvantages
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Moderate Oil Resistance: Not suitable for concentrated petroleum products—nitrile is superior
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Higher Cost: More expensive than SBR, natural rubber, and EPDM
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Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sensitivity: Poor resistance to benzene, toluene, and chlorinated solvents
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Compression Set: Moderate compression set—inferior to silicone or fluoroelastomers
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Temperature Limitations: Lower maximum temperature than silicone or fluoroelastomers
Neoprene vs. Other Rubber Materials
Neoprene vs. Nitrile (NBR): Nitrile offers superior oil and fuel resistance, while neoprene provides better weather resistance and flame retardancy. Use neoprene for outdoor or multi-exposure applications; use nitrile for dedicated oil/fuel contact.
Neoprene vs. EPDM: EPDM excels in pure weather and water resistance at lower cost, while neoprene adds moderate oil resistance and higher physical strength. Neoprene is the choice when both weather and oil exposure are present.
Neoprene vs. Natural Rubber: Natural rubber has superior resilience and tensile strength, but neoprene significantly outperforms it in weather, oil, and flame resistance. Neoprene is preferred for outdoor and chemical-contact applications.
Neoprene vs. Silicone: Silicone offers wider temperature range (-65°F to 450°F) and better chemical inertness, but neoprene provides superior physical strength, abrasion resistance, and cost-effectiveness for moderate-temperature applications.
Neoprene vs. SBR: SBR offers better abrasion resistance and lower cost, while neoprene provides superior oil, weather, and chemical resistance. Neoprene is the choice for multi-exposure environments; SBR for dry, high-wear applications.
Technical Specifications
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Hardness Range: 40–90 Shore A (customizable by formulation)
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Specific Gravity: 1.23–1.25
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Tensile Strength: 500–3,500 psi (varies by grade)
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Elongation at Break: 100–800% (varies by formulation)
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Compression Set: Moderate (improved with peroxide curing)
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Flame Rating: Self-extinguishing (UL 94 ratings available)
Why Choose Neoprene from Rubber Mexico?
Our neoprene compounds are formulated for balanced performance across automotive, industrial, marine, and commercial applications. With in-house molding, extrusion, and bonding capabilities, we deliver precision-engineered neoprene components tailored to your multi-exposure requirements.
Need a custom neoprene solution? Contact us for material selection guidance, compound development, prototyping, and production support.
