What To Know About Neoprene Fabrics

By Angela McDonald


Neoprene also called polychloroprene refers to a family of synthetic rubbers that are manufactured by polymerizing chloroprene. Neoprene fabrics are known for exhibiting good chemical stability and maintaining flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. This fabric can be made into many different forms but it is mostly sold in two major forms, that is, solid rubber and latex form. This substance has a lot of uses in many applications across many industries.

Neoprene is primarily produced through polymerization of chloroprene. Free radical emulsion polymerization is the method used for commercial scale production. Potassium persulfate is used to initiate the process of polymerizing chloroprene. Substances such as bufunctional nucleophiles, metal oxides, and thoureas are used in crosslinking of individual polymer strands. Three hundred thousand tons is the global production capacity per year without adding tonnage produced in China and Russia. Chinese production is making huge contributions to the annual increase in the amounts produced every year.

The history of neoprene is a long one since its invention occurred in 1930 by DuPont scientists. Nieuwland was responsible for conducting the research that led to the final invention of the product at the University of Notre Dame. While at the university, only an intermediate product was invented. When DuPont purchased the patent rights from the university and continued with the research, the scientists were able to come up with chloroprene.

The first instance of marketing of the product was done by DuPont in 1931. The trade name DuPrene was used at the time. Duprene was not the final product since it continued to exhibit a foul odor and required further refinement. With further refinement, the odor was eliminated and production costs were halved. Restrictions were applied on the use of the term DuPrene to protect the reputation of the product from malicious and substandard manufacturers.

Compared to synthetic and natural rubber, this material is more resistant to degradation. This makes it more suited for demanding applications such as making hoses, corrosion-resistant coatings, and gaskets. It also finds use in making adhesives, padding in the inside of metal cases, and noise isolation in transformers. The material also resists burning much better than other rubbers which are based on hydrocarbons. Thus, it makes combat related attire like masks and gloves. It also makes lining in landfills and fire doors.

These materials are good insulators against cold. That feature makes them useful in making fly fishing waders. The waders made are normally 5 millimeters in thickness and are moderately priced as opposed to other warders made from rubber and nylon and cheaply priced. Shock protection devices are made using foamed neoprene.

Many accessories in homes are also manufactured from the material. The use of these fabrics in the manufacture of home accessories has been on the rise for many years. Tablet holders, mouse pads, cycling chamois, remote controls, and laptop sleeves are among the most typical accessories made from the material. Low-resilient polyurethane (LRPu) is a major competitor in this market segment.

The world of sports also has many uses for the material. It is used in making saddle pads, cinches, and bareback pads among others. It serves as a protective garment in Airsoft because it is able to absorb and spread impact energy to prevent the skin from breaking.




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