Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

Neoprene (CR)

The Flexible All-Rounder

Neoprene, also known as Chloroprene Rubber (CR), is valued for its balanced combination of properties. It offers moderate resistance to oils and chemicals while also demonstrating good flame retardancy and weather resistance. Its versatility stems from its well-rounded features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Neoprene (CR): Properties,How to Choose

Neoprene (CR) is a synthetic rubber known for its balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to weather and chemicals. Many industrial buyers and engineers choose neoprene for demanding sealing and insulation tasks. But what makes neoprene so versatile, and are there better alternatives?

Neoprene rubber, also called polychloroprene or CR, is a synthetic elastomer offering excellent resistance to weather, ozone, chemicals, and moderate heat. It is used in automotive, marine, construction, and protective equipment industries.

What is Neoprene (CR)?

Neoprene, or CR (Chloroprene Rubber), was one of the first synthetic rubbers developed by DuPont in 1930. It is produced by polymerizing chloroprene and offers a good balance of mechanical and chemical properties.

Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by polymerizing chloroprene. It delivers excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors.

Properties of Neoprene

Neoprene rubber is known for its good balance of physical properties, offering durability in harsh environments.

Property	Details
Temperature Range	-35°C to +120°C
Hardness	40 – 90 Shore A
Tensile Strength	8 – 25 MPa
Elongation at Break	250% – 600%
Ozone Resistance	Excellent
Oil Resistance	Moderate

Advantages of Neoprene

✅ Excellent weather and ozone resistance
✅ Wide temperature tolerance (-35°C to +120°C)
✅ Resistant to aging and UV exposure
✅ Flame retardant (self-extinguishing)
✅ Moderate resistance to oils and chemicals
✅ Good mechanical strength and flexibility

Disadvantages of Neoprene

❌ Poor resistance to strong acids, ketones, and aromatic hydrocarbons
❌ Not suitable for continuous high-temperature applications (>120°C)
❌ Can harden and crack over time
❌ Heavier than foamed alternatives
❌ Higher cost compared to general-purpose rubbers like NBR or SBR

Applications of Neoprene (CR)

Neoprene (CR) rubber is used in a wide range of industries because of its excellent chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability. It’s a reliable material for sealing, insulation, and protective gear in both industrial and consumer products.

Neoprene is widely used in automotive, marine, construction, electrical, and personal protective industries. It serves as an effective material for seals, gaskets, hoses, protective clothing, and insulation, thanks to its resilience and moderate chemical resistance.

🏭 Automotive Industry

Neoprene rubber is frequently used in the automotive industry for parts that demand resilience and durability under varying environmental conditions.

Gaskets and Seals: Neoprene offers excellent sealing in engine compartments, such as timing cover gaskets and valve cover gaskets.
Radiator and Heater Hoses: It withstands temperature fluctuations and exposure to coolants and oils.
Vibration Dampers and Mounts: Neoprene’s cushioning properties help absorb engine vibration and reduce noise.

Why it works:

✅ Good resistance to oils and coolants
✅ Withstands mechanical stress and temperature cycles
✅ Durable for long-term automotive use

🚤 Marine Industry

Neoprene is popular in the marine industry due to its saltwater resistance and ability to remain flexible in cold water conditions.

Wetsuits and Diving Suits: Provide insulation and protection in marine environments.
Boat Fenders and Cushions: Absorb shock and prevent damage to boats.
Marine Seals and Gaskets: Ensure water-tight sealing in various marine equipment and components.

Why it works:

✅ High resistance to saltwater and UV radiation
✅ Maintains flexibility in low temperatures
✅ Long-term performance in harsh marine environments

🏗️ Construction and Building Industry

Neoprene is widely used in the construction sector for applications requiring durability and environmental resistance.

Expansion Joints: Absorb movement between building sections caused by temperature changes or structural shifts.
Window and Door Seals: Provide air-tight and weatherproof sealing solutions.
Vibration Isolation Pads: Minimize noise and vibration transfer in buildings and machinery.

Why it works:

✅ UV and ozone resistance for outdoor applications
✅ Shock-absorbing properties improve comfort and durability
✅ Long life span with minimal maintenance

⚡ Electrical and Electronics Industry

Neoprene is frequently used as insulation and protection in electrical and electronic components.

Cable and Wire Sleeving: Protects cables from moisture, chemicals, and mechanical wear.
Protective Housings: Shields sensitive electronic equipment from dust, water, and impact.
Dielectric Gaskets: Provides insulation and sealing in electrical enclosures and junction boxes.

Why it works:

✅ Good dielectric strength for electrical insulation
✅ Resistant to oil-based fluids and chemicals
✅ Flame retardant options available for added safety

🦺 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Neoprene is a common material in the PPE sector, offering chemical resistance and comfort.

Gloves: Provide protection against chemicals and oils in laboratory and industrial settings.
Wetsuits and Dry Suits: Offer thermal insulation and water resistance for divers and rescue teams.
Orthopedic Supports: Braces for knees, wrists, and elbows offer flexibility and support.

Why it works:

✅ Flexible, breathable, and water-resistant
✅ Comfortable for long-term wear
✅ Provides chemical protection and thermal insulation

🚀 Aerospace Industry

Though less common than other materials in aerospace, neoprene finds use in specific non-critical applications.

Vibration Dampers: Reduce vibration and noise in aircraft cabin interiors.
Seals and Gaskets: Used in cabin doors and cargo hatches for sealing and insulation in non-critical areas.

Why it works:

✅ Withstands temperature extremes common in aerospace environments
✅ Lightweight and easy to mold for custom applications
✅ Available in flame-retardant grades for safety compliance

🔎 Summary of Applications

Industry	Common Applications	Key Benefits
Automotive	Gaskets, hoses, dampers	Oil resistance, vibration dampening, durability
Marine	Wetsuits, seals, boat fenders	Saltwater resistance, UV durability, flexibility
Construction	Expansion joints, window seals	Weatherproof, UV and ozone resistant, shock absorbing
Electrical	Cable insulation, protective housings	Dielectric strength, moisture protection, flame retardant options
PPE	Gloves, wetsuits, orthopedic supports	Comfortable, chemical resistant, thermally insulating
Aerospace	Seals, vibration dampers	Lightweight, vibration absorbing, flame retardant grades available

Is Neoprene Safe on Skin?

Yes, neoprene is generally safe for skin contact. It’s widely used in wetsuits, orthopedic braces, and gloves.

✅ Hypoallergenic grades are available for sensitive users
❌ Some individuals may experience allergic reactions due to residual chemicals in lower-grade neoprene
✅ Medical and food-grade neoprene eliminates most concerns

What is Better than Neoprene?

Depending on the application, other materials can offer better performance in specific areas.

Material	Better For	Limitation
EPDM	Weather and steam resistance	Poor oil resistance
NBR (Nitrile)	Oil and fuel resistance	Poor weather resistance
FKM (Viton)	Chemical and high-temperature resistance	High cost
Silicone	Extreme temperature and biocompatibility	Low tear strength

Why is Neoprene So Expensive?

✅ Complex manufacturing process
✅ Higher cost of raw materials compared to general-purpose rubbers
✅ Balanced performance across multiple criteria (durability, flexibility, chemical resistance)

Does Neoprene Degrade Over Time?

Yes, neoprene will degrade over time due to:

❌ Prolonged UV and ozone exposure
❌ Continuous exposure to strong chemicals (acids, ketones)
❌ Aging and oxidation during extended use

What Destroys Neoprene?

❌ Strong acids and alkalis
❌ Ketones like acetone
❌ Aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene
❌ Continuous high temperatures above 120°C

How to Choose Neoprene?

When selecting neoprene rubber for your application, consider the following:

✅ Hardness: 40-60 Shore A for cushioning; 70-90 Shore A for sealing and durability
✅ Temperature Range: Ensure compatibility with your operating environment
✅ Thickness: Choose based on insulation or sealing needs
✅ Certification: FDA, RoHS, REACH compliance for safety-critical applications

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of Neoprene Rubber Products!

Looking for reliable Neoprene (CR) rubber gaskets, seals, or custom-molded parts? We offer high-quality, performance-driven solutions for industrial and commercial applications.