CR

Material Type

Rubber

Material Full Name

Chloroprene Rubber

Process Compatibility

Compression Molding, Injection Molding

CR Description

Price

$$$$$

Strength

Excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and aging.

Weakness

More difficult to process and fabricate than some other elastomers.

Common Application

Automotive belts, hoses, seals, gaskets, conveyor belts, cable jacketing.

What is Neoprene Rubber?

Chlorobutadiene or chloroprene rubbers (CR), also known as neoprene, is typically vulcanized by the action of metal oxides. Neoprene(CR) was originally developed as a substitute for natural rubber due to its resistance to air and oil, neoprene became the first mass-produced synthetic rubber on the market. CR Polychloroprene is a great general purpose rubber material option that can be manufactured in a range of different ways to suit an array of environments and applications.

Properties at a Glance

*Pease note: The following material properties are for reference only. Actual values may vary depending on the selected material brand.

Property	Metric	English
Density	1.2-1.5 g/cm³	75-93.58 lb/ft³
Shore Hardness A	40-95	40-95
Tensile Strength	3.45-20.68 MPa	500-3000 PSI
Elongation at Break	100-800%	100-800%
Min Temp.	-55~-35°C	-70~-30º F
Max Temp.	95~120°C	200~ 250º F

Chemical Properties

Excellent resistance to acids and alcohols.
Relatively poor resistance to fuel and oil.
Good resistance to Alkalies dilute, poor resistance to Alkalies concentrated.

How to Improve Neoprene Properties

CR material can be modified to enhance its properties through various methods such as compounding with additives, blending with other polymers, or adjusting curing process during vulcanization.

Additives can work together to enhance the overall properties of Neoprene rubber and tailor it to different applications. Such as antioxidants are added to improve the material's resistance to degradation caused by exposure to heat, light, and oxygen, thereby extending its service life. Plasticizers are used to increase the flexibility and softness of CR rubber. Reinforcing agents, such as carbon black or silica, are incorporated to enhance the material's strength, stiffness, and abrasion resistance.

Modifying rubber through adjustments to the curing process involves changing the conditions under which the rubber compound is cured or vulcanized. This process alters the cross-linking density and structure of the rubber, thereby influencing its mechanical properties, such as hardness, elasticity, and resilience. For example, increasing the curing time or temperature can result in a harder and more heat-resistant rubber, while reducing these parameters can yield a softer and more flexible material.

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FAQs of Neoprene Materials

View our FAQ center for more questions.

Can neoprene rubber be recycled or disposed of safely?

Neoprene rubber can be recycled, but the process can be complex and requires specialized facilities. It's not as commonly recycled as some other materials. While it's generally safe in solid form, burning neoprene rubber can release harmful chemicals, so it's not recommended for incineration.

Can neoprene rubber withstand exposure to sunlight and weathering?

Yes, neoprene rubber can withstand prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions without significant degradation. However, its resistance may gradually decrease over time with prolonged exposure to harsh environmental factors. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prolong its lifespan in such conditions.

Can CR rubber be used in contact with food or drinking water?

Yes, food-grade neoprene can be used in a food contact application. These grades are readily available as a raw material or as a finished product such as gaskets, seals, conveyor covers, etc.