Choose Neoprene for Your Industrial Rubber Needs
Neoprene or polychloroprene is the chosen synthetic rubber for many manufacturers Australia-wide. It’s a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor products, and at Reglin Rubber, you can find high-quality Neoprene for all your industrial needs.
What is Neoprene Rubber?
Neoprene rubber is a synthetic material composed of polymerized chloroprene, sometimes called polychloroprene. Polychloroprene consists mainly of polymers of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine that are cross-linked to give neoprene certain desirable properties, such as chemical inertness and resistance to heat, oil, water, and solvents.
Neoprene is available in various forms depending on the purpose for which it is required. Some of them are:
Neoprene Sheets
These are useful for making safety clothing such as wetsuits and gloves, but can also be used as landfill liners or protective equipment covers.
Neoprene Foam
Neoprene foam is thick and spongy, which is why it can be used as padding for sports equipment, it can also be found as insulation in industrial machinery and as functional weather stripping.
Extruded Neoprene
Neoprene extrusions can be used as tubing or window seals or cut into seals, gaskets or washers.
The Properties of Neoprene
Neoprene was intended to act as an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber, but since its invention, other properties of neoprene have allowed it to be used as an alternative to rubber in many applications.
Heat Resistant
Compared to natural rubber, neoprene is more resistant to gas penetration, can operate up to 135 degrees Celsius, and is even fire resistant. Even at such high temperatures, neoprene does not physically degrade, making it more suitable than natural rubber for long-term use at high temperatures. When degradation happens, neoprene hardens.
Cold Resistant
Although neoprene can work in high heat, it can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. When used below 50 degrees Celsius, neoprene becomes stiff and becomes unusable. This also translates to its durability in outdoor applications.
Chemical Resistant
Neoprene is chemically inert and valued for its ability to resist oil-based compounds such as solvents, oils and greases. In addition, it is resistant to methyl and ethyl alcohols, as well as bases, mineral acids and some salt solutions.
Works With Other Materials
Neoprene can be machined to bond to cotton and many metals including stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper. A basic link helps the process. Neoprene with special additives can cause adhesion between the neoprene and materials such as glass and acrylic.
Common Neoprene Rubber Applications and Uses
Neoprene Rubber can be found across a range of industries because of its traits, some of these applications include:
Industrial Uses
The chemical inertness of neoprene makes the material particularly valuable in industrial applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings and as a base for various adhesives. Neoprene is also used in sealing gaskets, especially for electrical, The chemical inertness of neoprene makes the material particularly valuable in industrial applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings and as a base for various adhesives. Neoprene is also used in sealing gaskets because of its heat and static resistance.
Construction Uses
Because of its resistance to weather, temperature and compression, neoprene is used in washers, bridge bearing pads, elevator astragals and other similar construction materials.
Safety Equipment Uses
The material’s ability to continue working over a wide range of temperatures while providing heat resistance and remaining flexible makes neoprene fabric ideal for gloves and other protective clothing. Additional protection is provided by the oil, chemical and water resistance of neoprene.
Electrical Uses
The fire and static resistance of neoprene explain why it is often used as insulation in power transformers, light bulbs, wires and other electrical equipment. It is also used to protect electronics such as laptops for the same reason, as well as its cushioning properties.
Marine Uses
Neoprene is also used in wetsuits and diving suits for its water and heat resistance and nitrogen is added to increase insulation and increase overall buoyancy, so suits must be weighted to prevent them from floating.
Automotive Uses
Neoprene can be used in automotive parts because it is abrasion, oil, tear, solvent and weather resistant as well as heat and fire resistant. It is found in window and door seals, belts, hose covers, vibration mounts and shock absorbers seals to name a few
Medical Uses
Neoprene’s flexibility, wearability and ability to hold its shape over time make it ideal for braces and braces, including wrist, knee and elbow supports.
Packaging Uses
Because neoprene is a soft rubber in nature, it is also a useful source of cushioning and reinforcement for fragile materials.
Australia’s leading supplier of rubber and ceramic products, Reglin Rubber have been operating from Victoria for over 20 years, proving to be the top choice of businesses all over the country.
