Neoprene
Neoprene is a commercial name for polymers comprised of chloroprene. It is the first commercially successful substitute for natural rubber in the United States.
Neoprene combines good resistance to weathering and petroleum-based lubricants, a wide temperature range, and exceptional economy.
Standard Durometer & Colors
Neoprene O-rings typically have a standard durometer range of 40 to 90 Shore A.
The most common color for neoprene O-rings is black, although they can also be found in other colors depending on specific formulations.
Temperature Range for Neoprene O-Rings
Individual neoprene compounds have service temperatures within the range from minus-65 degrees to +212 degrees F, including certain compounds formulated for lower temperatures.
Recommended Use of Neoprene O-Rings
Neoprene O-rings are recommended for use in environments requiring moderate chemical resistance and good physical properties. They are ideal for various industries and applications, including:
- Automotive
- HVAC systems
- Refrigeration
- Marine
- Industrial machinery
- Water and wastewater treatment
Neoprene Benefits
Neoprene is alkali and acid-resistant, flame-retardant, and suitable for petroleum-based oils. Animal and vegetable fats and greases also provide a highly stable environment for this polymer.
Generally speaking, neoprene is noted for good compression set, excellent flex fatigue resistance, and resistance to weather and ozone. Its excellent adhesion qualities to metals make neoprene ideal for molding with metal inserts, making it suitable for use in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, refrigeration units, and numerous dynamic applications.
Unique Neoprene Applications
Neoprene is commonly used as a material for fly fishing waders, as it provides excellent insulation against cold. Recently, neoprene has become a favorite material for lifestyle and other home accessories including laptop sleeves, tablet holders, remote controls, mouse pads, and cycling chamois.
In this market, it sometimes competes with LRPu (low-resilience polyurethane), which is a sturdier (more impact-resistant) but less-used material.
Not Recommended for
Neoprene is not effective in aromatic and oxygenated solvent environments. Neoprene degrades in the presence of some fairly common chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, acetone, xylene, acetic acid, aqua regia, boric acid, liquid butane, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, kerosine, lacquer, lard, motor oil, nitric acid, palm oil, tallow, turpentine, urine, and most chlorine-based chemicals including household bleach.
Additional Information for Neoprene O-Rings
You can find additional technical information related to this and other materials regarding chemical compatibility, resistance to abrasion, suitability for dynamic or static applications, temperature operating ranges, longevity, and other factors on our Technical Information pages.
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