One of the earliest of the synthetic materials to be developed as an oil-resistant substitute for Natural Rubber, Neoprene is a homopolymer of chloroprene (chlorobutadiene).
Key Uses
Numerous component uses in the transportation field. Recommended for exposure to weathering. Preferred sealing material for refrigeration industry.
Temperature Range
Standard Compound: -40°F to +250°F
Special Compounds: -67°F to +250°F (Dry Heat Only)
Hardness (Shore A)
40 to 90
Features
Neoprene can be used in innumerable sealing applications due to its broad base of such desirable working properties as: good resistance to petroleum oils; good resistance to ozone, sunlight and oxygen aging; relatively low compression set; good resilience; outstanding physical toughness; and reasonable production cost.
Limitations
Neoprene is generally attacked by strong oxidizing acids, esters, ketones, chlorinated, aromatic and nitro hydrocarbons. Because Nitrile is economically competitive with Neoprene, and generally has superior performance characteristics in most situations, it has largely replaced Neoprene in the o-rings of today.