While any Neoprene polychloroprene grade can be used to make a solvent-based adhesive, the A grades and W grades are preferred. The two main criteria which influence the polymer selection when designing an adhesive formula are crystallization rate and viscosity. Crystallization determines the rate of initial strength development. The faster the rate of crystallation, the faster the rate of strength development.

Viscosity influences the inherent strength of the adhesive film, the solution viscosity and solids content. The higher the polymer viscosity, or molecular weight, the higher the film strength, the higher the adhesive viscosity or the lower the solids at a given adhesive viscosity.

General Purpose Grades

• Neoprene AC: rapid crystallization rate, moderate viscosity range. One grade, AC-soft. **
• Neoprene AD: rapid crystallization rate, wide viscosity range. Four grades, AD-10, AD-20, AD-30, AD-40. AD grade offers improved polymer and solution stability over AC. **
• Neoprene WHVA: moderate crystallization rate and high viscosity. Special grade designed specifically for solvent adhesives to minimize separation due to phasing.
• Neoprene W, WHV-100, WHV: moderate crystallization rate and wide viscosity range.
• Neoprene WRT: very slow crystallization and low viscosity.

In addition to the above, Neoprene AG offers a unique characteristic for the adhesive formulator.

Special Purpose Grade

• Neoprene AG: slow crystallization rate, very high thixotropic viscosity. This polymer is used to modify the application rheology of adhesives and mastics. The high viscosity is due to high gel content. This enables the formulator to achieve smoother, easier spraying and brushing low viscosity adhesives or easier applying high viscosity, gunnable mastic adhesives.