As a popular elastomer used in various different applications, it is no surprise that neoprene is made in many different ways and forms. However, neoprene also comes with different names for each of these forms. To begin with, neoprene is sometimes referred to by its chemical name chloroprene, which is abbreviated as CR. One such form that has become very well known is sponge neoprene, also referred to as foam rubber. The foam version of neoprene can be further divided into two similar but distinct categories: open cell foam and closed cell neoprene foam. These spongy neoprene materials offer their own unique traits and benefits, giving the chloroprene material more useful abilities that it has names.
General Purpose Rubber – 60A – 1/2″ x 36″
When you need a good, standard solid rubber material for various applications, our general purpose rubber is the perfect product for the job. It is an affordable, durable rubber sheet for use in everyday applications. These reliable vulcanized rubber sheets come in the form of a standard black rubber roll so that they can be ready for use right away. Complete with a smooth surface texture, sheets of this General Purpose elastomer can come in a variety of different thickness gauges.
SBR Rubber: Our General Purpose Rubber sheets are made using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). This synthetic elastomer is known for its durability. SBR’s physical qualities are present in this solid rubber sheet. With a durometer rating of 60, it can handle physical abrasions pretty well. This rubber sacrifices some elasticity and pliability, but it is meant more for physical applications that require a moderate degree of strength. In addition, its durability is enhanced by the fact that it is a vulcanized rubber sheets.
Meant for Not So Sensitive Applications: General Purpose Rubber is very adaptable. A sheet of this elastomer can be made into various seals and gaskets that can then be used for a large variety of different applications. This solid rubber material is well suited for use in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The material of this black rubber roll functions very well as bumper and pad material too thanks to their good durability.
Before there was neoprene or even any kind of open or closed cell neoprene foam sheet, there was simply chloroprene. Chloroprene is the main material used to make neoprene rubber. The chemical company DuPont originally synthesized it in 1930. However, they did not simply use chloroprene or neoprene as a name for this new chemical and weather resistant rubber. They opted for the moniker of “DuPrene”, just in case there were ever any doubts as to who owned the material. But later on in 1937, they changed the name to neoprene (http://www2.dupont.com/Phoenix_Heritage/en_US/1931_c_detail.html).
As commercial and industrial needs advanced over the years, sponge neoprene was developed. Interestingly enough, this material is manufactured using the same process as that of its solid form counterpart. The only difference is in the addition of a chemical foaming agent, hence the name “foam rubber”. This foaming agent is responsible for producing gas bubbles within the rubber during the curing stages of its production. These gas pockets in neoprene foam sheet rubber can also be produced through a continuous whipping of the rubber mixture. The end product is then a result of about 85% air and 15% rubber (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/211789/foam-rubber).
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 80A
Is Neoprene Resistant to Gas?
Is Neoprene Resistant to Oil
Closed Cell Rubber – Blend
Cellular rubber is a type of rubber material that is formed when a foaming agent is introduced into rubber while it is being produced. The process results in an elastomer whose body features an air-filled matrix. The resulting rubber is ultimately more compressible than normal solid rubber counterparts. This particular closed cell sponge rubber is a blend of different elastomer types. The material of this closed cell blended rubber uses SBR rubber and closed cell neoprene in its makeup. The result is a sponge rubber product that is affordable and durable. It inherits the traits of its parent materials in moderate levels. It is a black colored cellular rubber that works as a good general-purpose elastomer material.
Moderate Weather Resistance: This closed cell sponge rubber benefits from the presence of Neoprene material since each sponge sheet is composed of Neoprene and SBR. A characteristic of Neoprene rubber is its good resistance to outdoor weathering effects such as UV rays and ozone. As a result, it is often employed wherever a rubber part is needed for the outdoors. This blended cellular rubber possesses a moderate degree of outdoor weather resistance.
A Durable Sponge Rubber: As a direct benefit from the SBR rubber used to make it, this closed cell sponge rubber possesses a good degree of physical durability. SBR is known for its superior physical strength and resistance to physical abrasions. It is the reason why SBR is so popular for use in vehicle tires, which are expected to endure harsh physical conditions on a daily basis. Although cellular rubber tends to be a softer material overall, especially when compared to its regular solid rubber counterparts, it is still durable enough to handle some moderate level physical abrasions.
Sponge rubber is a blanket term that can indicate one of two products. A piece of sponge neoprene can be either a version of closed or open cell foam. The difference between a neoprene closed cell foam and an open cell foam is that the closed cell variety is normally sturdier while the open cell variation tends to be softer. In closed cell neoprene materials, the air particles in the material do not pop as the rubber is being created. As a result, the material contains numerous internal pores which create a stronger and more flexible rubber.
In the open cell version of sponge neoprene, the air bubbles in the particles burst during the foaming or whipping process. This results in a network of interconnected particles that gives the end product a softer consistency. It has an overall higher compression rate. If a lot of physical pressure is applied to this open cell neoprene foam sheet, it will bounce back to its original shape far quicker than most other types of elastomers, especially its neoprene closed cell foam counterpart.
Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 50A
Neoprene rubber is a popular synthetic elastomer that features a resistance to some oils, chemicals, and weathering. This 50 durometer neoprene material is made of a blend of SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) and nitrile rubber in addition to the neoprene itself. This mid-level durometer means that the material is softer and more flexible than 60A or 70A Shore rubber sheets, giving the end-user more options in terms of applications for the material. First developed in the 1930’s, this elastomer is still popular today for use as industrial bumpers, seals, and general gasket applications. Neoprene sheet rubber is available in a variety of popular gauges to better suit the needs of individual projects.
A More Flexible Rubber: This black neoprene sheet has a durometer rating of 50, which is a medium grade level. This medium durometer level attributes a moderate amount of flexibility and durability. It is a moderately pliable and elastic rubber when compared to neoprene material of a higher durometer rating. This increased elasticity makes it more open to physical indentation. This flexible neoprene can easily be applied to any industrial applications that need pliable rubber components.
Neoprene Resistance Quality: Neoprene rubber is known to exhibit moderate levels of resistance against oils, chemicals, and environmental factors. These resistance qualities were what made neoprene material famous in the first place. Its durability in the presence of oils and chemicals means that it is good for industrial applications in the forms of seals and gaskets. As an added benefit, our neoprene sheet rubber can also be used in the outdoors because it features resistance capabilities against weathering factors such as ozone.
Closed Cell Rubber – Blend – 39″ x 78″
While sponge neoprene rubber is great for a wide range of different applications, it does not tend to last as long as its solid rubber counterpart. This is partly because solid rubber is meant to endure more physically demanding challenges. It is simply designed to last longer. The physical structure of a neoprene foam sheet can eventually weaken over time. It can slowly lose its flexibility. Solid neoprene rubber has a good resistance to aging, but sponge neoprene does not.
Regular solid neoprene materials are often divided into two general categories: hard and soft. They possess very similar properties. They can both perform very well in the face of certain chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. The true differentiator between the two is in their durability. Hard neoprene can take a much higher degree of physical abuse than its softer counterpart. Soft neoprene is usually used in applications that require more flexibility from their components. Harder Neoprene sheets have a higher durometer, are more dense, and weigh more. Softer neoprene sheets are more flexible, supple and have better flex fatigue.
As you can see, neoprene is available to you in various different forms. The options are abundant, just like the names given to each class of the elastomer. Sponge neoprene and foam neoprene is the same thing. Open cell and closed cell indicates a sponge/foam. When you are getting a piece of neoprene closed cell foam rubber, you are getting sponge rubber. At the same time, hard neoprene and soft neoprene are both solid rubbers. Next time you are looking for neoprene materials, be sure to know which kind of neoprene you want!
Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 45A
