Neoprene rubber sheets are made of a great synthetic elastomer that is valued for its many desirable properties.Neoprene is engineered to have properties such as a high tensile strength, physical resilience, oil resistance, flame retardance, and ozone resistance. Of note, these are not all the qualities that encapsulated neoprene: different types of neoprene elastomer express different sets of traits. This synthetic elastomer is highly desired commercially and industrially, but it has one unfortunate pitfall. Compared to other rubber materials, neoprene is relatively expensive. Although it tends to be more costly, neoprene is nonetheless inseparable from many of our commercial, industrial, and recreational functions. Does this drawback outweigh all of the benefits it possesses? Well, it depends on the project that you are planning. For example, if neoprene is absolutely essential to the success of your endeavor—which is the case for a project that uses neoprene setting blocks—then its cost is an expense you must accept. In more borderline cases, though, there may be cheaper substitutes for neoprene that work just the same. To help you make a more informed decision, this article tackles some of neoprene’s most notable qualities, dissecting them so that you can decide whether your project needs the particular properties of neoprene rubber. Soon, you should have answers to the overarching question: what are the mechanical properties of neoprene?

All About: Durometer

Tapping Rubber Trees

Neoprene, or chloroprene rubber, is a synthetic elastomer produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. The neoprene chemical formula shows that neoprene is a polymer of chloroprene. The interlinking of molecules needed for vulcanizing this polymer into a cured rubber product is accomplished through the laboratorial manipulation of chlorine atoms. The presence of chlorine in the neoprene molecular structure causes neoprene material to resist swelling from hydrocarbon oils, a resistance which translates to resilience versus oxidation and ozone. In fact, the chlorine in the neoprene structure even imbues neoprene rubber sheets with a certain degree of flame retardance. Typically, neoprene rubber sheets will slowly harden when exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is similar to how neoprene rubber sheets harden when stretched.) Because of this hardening, neoprene is strong even without fillers, such as carbon black, infused into the neoprene composition. The process by which neoprene manufacturers produce neoprene makes neoprene rubber sheets extremely versatile—which is why a multi-purpose neoprene pad is so widely available.

The primary uses of neoprene rubber are for products such as wire and cable insulation, hoses, belts, springs, gaskets, flexible mounts, and adhesives where resistances to oil, heat, and abrasion are necessary. Case in point, a neoprene manufacturer will often have in its inventory products such as a neoprene rubber self-adhesive strip, adhesive-backed neoprene foam, a neoprene rubber edge-trim, and a neoprene-based adhesive. Because of the many benefits of neoprene, the material has been colloquially dubbed the “all-purpose” rubber—and rightfully so. Below, we answer your most pressing questions about neoprene physical properties and chemical properties in the following order:
• Is neoprene affected by oil?
• Is neoprene rubber fire-resistant?
• Is neoprene ozone-resistant?
• Does neoprene have a high tensile strength?
• What Are the Mechanical Properties of Neoprene?

Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene – 39″ x 78″

Closed Cell Rubber – Neoprene – 39″ x 78″

• Durometer rating of 20-25 Shore C
• Has a high level of compression strength
• Preferred for use in some automotive and industrial settings
• Neoprene foam can operate in temperatures as low as -40° F and as high as +200° F

Oil Resistance: Neoprene rubber is widely used in tasks that see a moderate presence of oils and greases. It offers a good level of resistance to those substances. Other materials can be stained or damaged by oil, but neoprene can stand up to such corrosive elements. Neoprene still demonstrates this trait even when comes in cellular rubber form. Closed cell neoprene sponge rubber can handle light to moderate contact with oils and greases without suffering from any immediate damage to its structure. As a result, a gasket made from neoprene foam rubber will last for a much longer period of time.

Weathering Resistance: In addition to oils and greases, neoprene can also operate in the outdoors. It can resist the degrading effects of UV rays, ozone, and even moisture from rainfall. It is very strong when it comes to UV rays. UV rays can cause damage such as discoloration in some materials, but will have a very hard time doing so with this foam rubber material. A big benefit of having a closed cell sponge rubber in wet and moist conditions is that the closed cell structure will not soak up any of the moisture. Water will be prevented from seeping into the material and causing any damage.

Is Neoprene Affected by Oil?

Neoprene is not affected by most oils. Neoprene rubber sheets usually have good resistance to mineral oils, silicone oils, and greases. Because of this neoprene chemical-resistance, it is ideal for things like neoprene gasket applications. Neoprene fuel-resistance, or neoprene gasoline-resistance, is part of the reason for why so many neoprene applications involve automotive gaskets and seals.

Is Neoprene Rubber Fire-Resistant?

In general, neoprene rubber can withstand a certain level of heat. Neoprene rubber sheets resist burning better than products made of exclusively hydrocarbon-based rubbers. This neoprene fire-resistance is what makes it a good material for the weather stripping on fire doors and for neoprene liners in combat-related attire, such as tactical gloves and face masks.

Is Neoprene Ozone-Resistant?

Neoprene is indeed ozone-resistant. With a moderate resistance to ozone and weathering, neoprene rubber sheets can be used for many outdoor applications with little risk of decreased performance.

Is Neoprene Resistant to Gas?
(Tested Against Charcoal Lighter)

Is Neoprene Resistant to Oil
(Tested against XXD40)

Does Neoprene Rubber Have a High Tensile Strength?

Neoprene rubber has a high tensile strength, making it a very durable, resilient material. This neoprene tensile strength makes it able to return to its original shape without tearing even when stretched to multiple times its original size. This makes it ideal for use in warehouses as a conveyor belt or on an assembly line, as well as in other commercial and industrial applications.

Review: What Are the Mechanical Properties of Neoprene?

Neoprene mechanical properties and neoprene chemical properties include neoprene’s oil-resistance, heat-resistance, ozone-resistance, and high tensile strength. Neoprene is also water-resistant, making washing neoprene an effortless task. The seemingly limitless number of neoprene uses make it a very popular material despite its relatively high cost. Neoprene rubber sheets have earned their name as an all-around, general-purpose elastomer product, industrially and commercially. When thinking about your specific project or application, neoprene rubber sheets may be the perfect product for your demands. Both indoor and outdoor projects can utilize neoprene, especially since there are different types of neoprene, each of which is geared toward a certain function. Neoprene anti-vibration pads, for example, utilize the neoprene compressive strength, which allows the material to absorb and dampen vibrations. Deciding to purchase neoprene rubber sheets can feel like an intimidating decision, but we hope that this article sooths some of your qualms. If you still feel uncertain about what to do, make sure to communicate with your rubber provider, as they likely have a staff of experts who are well-equipped to give you the best advice.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 70A – 1/32″ x 36″

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 70A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Industrial gasket applications
• Applications involving temperatures between -20° F and 170° F
• Applications that may involve the presence of moderate levels of oil or ozone or even chemicals
• Any task that requires a strong neoprene (durometer 65-75) that can endure the stress of heavy and repeated physical impacts

High Compressive Strength: Closed cell rubber is a bit different from its open cell counterpart in terms of compressive strength. While open cell sponge rubber can rebound back to its original shape very quickly, closed foam rubber sponge takes a bit longer to do so. This allows the closed cell EPDM sponge rubber to handle high- pressure applications at a better rate, making it more durable.

Perfect for the Outdoors: The excellent ability of this closed cell rubber to operate in the outdoors is all thanks to the compound of EPDM rubber in its structural makeup. It has an excellent level of resistant to both UV rays and ozone. Outdoor factors like UV and ozone may not damage a material immediately, but they can definitely degrade a material over time. The EPDM compound in this sponge rubber allows it to remain exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. This is the primary reason why EPDM material is a popular elastomer to use in applications such as window sealing on vehicles and homes.

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