DuPont™ Neoprene polychloroprene

DuPont™ Neoprene polychloroprene is an extremely versatile synthetic rubber with more than 75 years of proven performance in a broad industry spectrum. It was originally developed as an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber. Neoprene is noted for a unique combination of properties, which has led to its use in thousands of applications in diverse environments.

A Balanced Combination of Properties

• Resists degradation from sun, ozone and weather
• Performs well in contact with oils and many chemicals
• Remains useful over a wide temperature range
• Displays outstanding physical toughness
• Resists burning inherently better than exclusively hydrocarbon rubbers
• Outstanding resistance to damage caused by flexing and twisting

The basic chemical composition of Neoprene synthetic rubber is polychloroprene. The polymer structure can be modified by copolymerizing chloroprene with sulfur and/or 2,3 dichloro 1,3-butadiene to yield a family of materials with a broad range of chemical and physical properties. By proper selection and formulation of these polymers, the compounder can achieve optimum performance for a given end-use. Neoprene is available as a solid and as a liquid dispersion.

Neoprene Dry Grades

For dry rubber applications, Neoprene is available in three different families: G, W and T types with variations in each family. The characteristics of raw polymer and the vulcanizates of each family are in the Types of Neoprene.

Neoprene Liquid Dispersions

Neoprene liquid dispersions are aqueous, colloidal dispersions of polychloroprene or copolymers of chloroprene and other monomers such as methacrylic acid or 2,3 dichloro 1,3-butadiene. They are available in both anionic and non-ionic forms. All have the unique combination of:

• Excellent film formation
• High cohesive strength without curing
• Elastomeric properties over a wide temperature range

Neoprene polymers are not final products, rather raw materials from which the final products may be formulated. Specific compounding details are available separately. To receive copies of this information, please call 800-853-5515.