Everything about Neoprene
Neoprene is a type of rubber known for its water-resistant, flame-retardant, and oil-resistant properties, making it suitable for a variety of applications. The material also offers various processing options, each with its own set of uses. On this page, we are pleased to provide more information about it.
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What is neoprene?
Neoprene is an elastomer, and thus a type of synthetic rubber. It is produced through the polymerization of chloroprene. It was developed as a substitute for natural rubber because, unlike natural rubber, it is resistant to oil. Later, NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) replaced it. Neoprene adheres better than natural rubber and, due to its combination of various properties, can be used in a wide range of applications. Neoprene's properties can be further enhanced through vulcanization, thanks to the remaining double bonds in the polymer. Various materials can be made from this base material.
Which characteristics does neoprene have?
Neoprene has many positive properties. Some of its most important features are its flame-retardant properties and resistance to (sea)water. In some cases, neoprene is even waterproof. The material also has good UV and ozone resistance, and a reasonable resistance to oils. Additionally, neoprene is weather-resistant, durable, and exhibits good mechanical properties, allowing it to return fully to its original shape after being compressed. Lastly, neoprene is also relatively resistant to mineral oils, fats, solvents, acids, and chemicals.
Neoprene products from EKI
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What are the different types?
Various types of products can be made from neoprene. In our range, you will find neoprene fabric, neoprene rubber, neoprene foam rubber, and neoprene sponge rubber.
Neoprene is a material primarily used to make wetsuits, also known as neoprene fabric. This material is resistant to (sea) water, durable, and weather-resistant. It has insulating properties and enhances buoyancy. Additionally, it has good mechanical properties and is reasonably oil-resistant. Neoprene fabric is available in various types, including versions with one or two sides of nylon.
The second type of material is neoprene rubber, also known as CR rubber. This type of rubber has a wide range of applications. It offers good UV and ozone resistance, as well as reasonable oil resistance. Its mechanical properties are strong, and it is also resistant to (sea) water. Additionally, this material is flame-retardant.
The third type is neoprene foam rubber, also known as CR foam rubber. It features a closed-cell structure, which means it does not absorb liquids and is (sea) water-resistant. This foam rubber is soft and flexible, allowing it to be easily compressed. It is also resistant to aging and is flame-retardant. It has good UV and ozone resistance, as well as reasonable oil resistance.
The last type is neoprene sponge rubber, also known as CR sponge rubber. This material has a closed skin around its open-cell structure and possesses good mechanical properties. It also has flame-retardant properties and reasonable oil resistance. It is well-suited for contact with (sea) water and has a long lifespan, thanks to its excellent durability and resistance to UV radiation and ozone.
In which EKI products is neoprene used?
We offer neoprene fabric in various types. Our range includes neoprene with nylon on both sides, neoprene with nylon on one side, and neoprene with Velcro on one side, available in a variety of colours. Each of these options has its own characteristics and can be used in different ways. The best-selling variants are EKI 4100, EKI 4450, and EKI 4300. Various colours, finishes, and sizes are available.
We primarily sell neoprene rubber in black, but it is also available in white. The white variant (EKI 265) is specifically suitable for contact with food. Among the black variants, we offer different qualities and versions with one or two inserts. The most popular variant is EKI 260. We provide the material in various custom forms and sizes, including sheets, strips, bands, blocks, discs, and rings. It is available either non-adhesive or with single or double-sided adhesive.
Additionally, we offer neoprene foam rubber in various colours and finishes. We supply black, grey, and red CR foam rubber. We can cut foam rubber sheets and rolls into various shapes, such as foam rubber bands, spools, blocks, frames, discs, and rings. It is also possible to receive these shapes with single or double-sided adhesive. The most popular variant is EKI 200.
Neoprene sponge rubber is available in round and rectangular profiles with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 25 mm. These profiles can be further processed into strips and rings. EKI 230 is available both non-adhesive and with single-sided adhesive.
How is neoprene used?
In general, all types are widely used in the maritime industry due to their waterproof and (sea) water-resistant properties. Additionally, neoprene is also reasonably resistant to oil, making it commonly used in offshore applications. It is a suitable material for adhesives and can also be used for surgical gloves, seals, and insulation applications.
Neoprene with nylon on both sides is primarily used for wetsuits, diving suits, and waders due to the material's insulating properties, which also enhance buoyancy. The two nylon sides create a type of combined neoprene fabric. The variant with one nylon side is used for comfort applications, such as in rehabilitation and orthopaedic uses. The variant with one Velcro side is commonly used in the healthcare and sports sectors. Examples include knee braces, belts, ankle supports, surf shoes, dive mask straps, and spring shoes. The Velcro side allows the product to be easily fastened to itself without the need for additional attachments.
The rubber variant is often found in public spaces, construction, maritime, and industrial applications. Due to the many possibilities of neoprene rubber, it can be applied in almost endless ways.
Besides its uses in the maritime and offshore industries, the foam rubber variant is widely used for seals in the industry, such as in vehicle bodies, aerospace, and automotive industries. It is also a popular material for insulating aluminium or steel windows and partition walls. Consequently, neoprene foam rubber is frequently seen in steel constructions or public spaces. Additionally, it can serve as a bump rubber due to its shock-absorbing properties.
Neoprene sponge rubber is extensively used for sealing against water, air, and dust in various applications, including maritime, industrial, offshore, workshops, and drilling platforms. These seals are commonly found in doors and hatches. Due to its flame-retardant properties, it is also used in electrical enclosures and the metal industry.
Frequently asked questions
Receiving advice on Neoprene?
Do you have questions about Neoprene or their application for your business? Please let us know using the form below. Our team of specialists will be happy to think along with you.