Neoprene
(Chloroprene)

Originally developed as an oil‑resistant substitute for natural rubber, Neoprene (also known as Chloroprene / polychloroprene, commonly abbreviated “CR”) remains one of the most widely used synthetic elastomers for sealing and industrial applications.

At its core, Neoprene is a homopolymer formed by polymerising the monomer chloroprene (chlorobutadiene). When vulcanised (cured), its molecular structure delivers a balanced set of mechanical and chemical properties — making it highly versatile and reliable under demanding conditions.

Key Properties & Material Characteristics

Here’s a breakdown of what Neoprene offers — and where you may need to consider limitations:

Strengths & Advantages

• Excellent chemical and oil resistance: Neoprene resists many petroleum‑based oils, water, alcohols, diluted acids/alkalis, and other mild chemicals.
• Good resistance to weathering, ozone, UV, and oxidation: This makes it suitable for outdoor and exposed applications.
• Wide temperature tolerance: Standard Neoprene compounds typically perform reliably across a temperature range from around –40 °C up to +120 °C (intermittent use).
• Strong mechanical properties: High tensile strength, good tear and abrasion resistance, and resilience under stress — good for repeated compression or flexing.
• Low compression set and good elasticity: Allows seals, gaskets, and rubber parts to maintain shape and sealing integrity over time.
• Flame resistance and self‑extinguishing behaviour: Compared with many other elastomers, Neoprene offers better fire resistance — a useful safety property in many applications.
• Good adhesion to metals and fabrics: Makes it suitable for bonded seals, hoses, gaskets, and other composite constructions.

Typical Applications

Because of its balanced performance, Neoprene is widely used across many sectors and for many purposes:

• Seals, O‑rings, gaskets, washers, and custom mouldings for hydraulic, pneumatic, industrial and automotive systems.
• Hoses, belts, mounts, and flexible connectors — especially where oil or fuel resistance, weathering resistance and mechanical durability are required.
• Marine and refrigeration systems — for example hoses or seals used with refrigerants like Freon®, ammonia, silicone oils, water, etc.
• Construction, building & civil‑engineering uses — vibration damping pads, water‑resistant seals, insulation, and components exposed to weather or chemicals.
• Marine, outdoor, and weather‑exposed equipment — including coating, protective seals, and parts in boats or outdoor machinery.

Selecting Neoprene for Your Applications: What to Watch

• Ensure suitability for the fluids in contact — if the environment involves strong solvents, acids, esters or chlorinated compounds, evaluate chemical compatibility carefully before using Neoprene.
• Consider temperature extremes — for stable performance, ensure the expected operating temperature remains within Neoprene’s stable working range (typically around –40 °C to +120 °C, depending on compound).
• Account for mechanical stresses and wear — Neoprene performs best where abrasion, flexing, compression, or repetitive movement are likely — e.g. gaskets, O‑rings, hoses, mountings.
• Confirm compliance and quality — As with all elastomers, final material properties depend heavily on the compound formulation and manufacturing quality; test or request datasheets when in doubt (especially for critical sealing or safety applications).

Summary: Why Neoprene Remains a Mainstay — and When to Consider Alternatives

Neoprene (Chloroprene/CR) remains widely used because of its balanced blend of toughness, flexibility, chemical and environmental resistance, and thermal stability. These features make it a very reliable “workhorse” material in sealing, hose, gasket, mount, and general rubber part applications — especially in automotive, industrial, refrigeration, marine, and outdoor contexts.

That said, Neoprene isn’t suitable for absolutely every environment. When faced with aggressive chemicals, extreme cold, or when a lower‑cost solution will suffice, alternative elastomers (e.g., nitrile, EPDM, silicone) may be more appropriate.

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Neoprene is generally attacked by strong oxidising 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.

Please note: This Material Data Sheet section is to be used as a professional guide only. Eastern Seals (UK) Ltd may source their products from a variety of Quality Approved Suppliers and the data shown should not be relied upon by any purchaser without verification of material source.

ES REF	Colour	Temp Range	Hardness	Notes	Data Sheet
NP70	BLACK	-35°C to +110°C	70	General purpose Neoprene 70 shore.	NP70