There are various synthetic rubber types, such as Santoprene and Neoprene. Both compounds have similar and differing components and characteristics. The contrasting properties of these synthetic elastomers make each product distinctive. In other words, depending on your purpose, Santoprene material may be better for certain applications than Neoprene (thermoset elastomers) and vice versa.

Synthetic rubbers have a long-standing history in the United States and other parts of the world. According to the deceased chemist, Ralph Wolf, nothing has become as universal and indispensible as synthetic rubber. It is arguably one of the most important creation of man when the progress of modern civilization was still dependent on the volatility of natural rubber supply.

After its introduction to Europe in 1496, synthetic elastomers have drastically evolved and revolutionized how the world utilized rubber. Before synthetic rubber types were developed, the world relied heavily on natural rubber. Although the developments of synthetic elastomers can be traced back to the late 1800s, it was not until World War II that the production of artificial rubber was truly propelled forward. During World War II, Japan ascertained control of Malaysia’s and the Dutch East Indie’s natural rubber production. As a result, natural rubber resources were limited in certain countries, like the United Sates. Since elastomer played an essential role in U.S. war machinery, the United States launched a massive effort to develop artificial rubber. However, it was not only the United States that conducted development research on synthetic elastomers, but other countries as well.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

Santoprene – 60A – 1/8″ x 36″

• Slow burn rate
• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.

Two synthetic rubber types are Santoprene and Neoprene. Santoprene material is produced by cross-linking EPDM rubber and polypropylene (plastic). The end result is a thermoplastic elastomer substance. On the other hand, Neoprene belongs to a family of thermoset elastomers. Unlike thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers will chemically degrade instead of melting when heated. The following below are characteristics that make Santoprene and Neoprene (respectively) unique:

Production

• Santoprene: Manufactured in the same way most plastics are produced, allowing for easy processing which helps reduce production costs.
• Neoprene: Manufactured similarly to other rubbers, with comparatively good production costs.

Temperature Resistance

• Santoprene: Can withstand extreme temperatures without hardening or cracking. The temperature range includes -50 degrees to +275 degrees Fahrenheit (continuous) and -74 degrees to +300 degrees Fahrenheit (intermittent), making it a preferred choice for manufacturers.
• Neoprene: These thermoset elastomers are not ideal for high temperatures due to average heat aging resistance.

Abrasion Resistance

• Santoprene: A high-performance rubber with good fatigue resistance.
• Neoprene: Has moderately good abrasion resistance in dynamic applications such as shock absorption.

Chemical Resistance

• Santoprene: Offers fairly good chemical resistance, similar to neoprene, but with some differences. For example, Santoprene is barely affected by sulfuric acid and pyridine, while neoprene can be severely damaged. Both materials excel in resistance to sodium chloride and zinc chloride.
• Neoprene: Known for good resistance to oil and grease, but performs poorly with fuel.

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Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 70A – 3/16″ 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

Tough Elastomer: The most common reason why people choose a hard neoprene is because of its physical thickness and durability. It is very reliable when used for physically demanding applications. Although its flexibility is limited, the overall thickness of this neoprene (durometer 65-75) means that it is highly desirable for guarding surfaces or parts against any physical abrasions and damages. Unlike softer neoprene, this material is well suited to handle physical abuse.

Customization: Rubber-Cal provides multiple customization options for this thick neoprene material. Although the width comes in 36” and 48” options, widths that are up to 78” are available upon request. In addition a wide range of popular gauges are available in stock for immediate delivery. If a different gauge is required for a project, gauges of up to 2” thick can be produced to specification. In terms of fabrication, hand cutting is not the only option for customizing your neoprene sheets. Water-jet, die, and laser cuts are available if needed. The goal is to get you the perfect hard neoprene material for your application.

Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 70A – 3/16″ x 36″

Environmental Resistance

• Santoprene: Resistant to weather, ozone, and environmental factors that may cause hardening with age.
• Neoprene: Similar to Santoprene in resistance to ozone and oxidation.

Flexibility and Durability

• Santoprene: Same flexibility and durability as natural rubber, but lasts longer in harsher temperatures.
• Neoprene: Good tensile strength and moderate flexibility.

Recyclability

• Santoprene: Fully recyclable; scrap material can be reclaimed or recycled during manufacturing, and products can be remanufactured after use.
• Neoprene: Can be recycled similarly to other rubbers, allowing for reclamation.

Santoprene – 60A – Block Design x 24″

Santoprene – 60A – Block Design x 24″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Also available with a smooth surface texture
• Standard rolls of Santoprene sheet available in 24” and 36” width options and lengths of up to 50ft
• Thanks to its polyolefin base, Santoprene elastomer is recyclable despite being a synthetic rubber material

Block-Patterned Surface Texture: The distinguishing feature about this Santoprene rubber sheet is its surface texture. Unlike the standard smooth surface texture of most other elastomers, this sheet of thermoplastic rubber is manufactured with a block surface pattern. All across its body are tiny blocks. These mainly serve an aesthetic function for application where appearances are important. However, they do provide for a better level of grip so as to reduce the chances of it slipping out of place.

Excellent Temperature Range: Silicone often tends to be the first rubber that comes to mind when people are looking for a high-temp elastomer. However, Santoprene rubber should also be considered. This synthetic rubber material has an excellent working temperature range. It can endure temperatures that go as low as -74° F and can equally function in conditions that reach as high as 300° F. This excellent feature allows the rubber to be used in various temperature intensive applications in the automotive, electrical, and industrial fields.

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As you can see, both synthetic elastomers have similarities and differences. However, it is the different characteristics that make each material (respectively) unique. Furthermore, it is the contrasting qualities that make Neoprene or Santoprene preferred over the other in certain applications.

Santoprene material is used in the following industries: automotive, building and construction, electrical, household appliances, and health care. Gaskets, window and oven seals, and knife handles are a few of the applications that Santoprene is used for. Neoprene thermoset elastomers are used in sound studios, construction sites, industrial gasketing, and pet car flooring.

These are two of the best synthetic rubber types. As the world continues to find alternative options for depleting natural resources, such as natural rubber, synthetic elastomers will continue to develop and influence how we will use elastomers in the future.

Santoprene – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Low compression and tension set
• Also available in a blocked surface texture option
• Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
• Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable

A High Performance Elastomer: Santoprene rubber features excellent physical and chemical characteristics. This is a quality synthetic rubber sheet that combines the performance characteristics vulcanized rubber, such as superior flexibility and low compression set, with the processing ease of thermoplastics. This thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer rating of 55-65, meaning that it is able to handle physical indentation fairly well while being flexible and pliable enough to use in various settings.

Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.

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Neoprene – Commercial Grade – 60A – 1/32″ x 36″

• Can handle outdoor weather conditions
• 60 durometer neoprene with smooth finish
• Great as industrial seals, gaskets, and bumpers
• Can operate in temperatures between -20° F and 212° F

Physically Durable Rubber: This type of neoprene has a durometer rating of 60, making it one of the more physically durable rubbers available. This durometer level attributes a moderate amount of flexibility and durability to the material itself. It is a moderately pliable and elastic rubber, but it can function well in physically demanding applications. This 60 durometer neoprene can easily be applied to any industrial applications that need rubber components with a good balance of durability and pliability.

Neoprene Resistance Quality: Neoprene rubber is known to exhibit moderate levels of resistance against oils, chemicals, and environmental factors. These resistance qualities are 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.

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