What is polychloroprene – CR?

Known by everyone under the name Neoprene®, polychloroprene – CR is the first synthetic rubber having been produced by the Du Pont de Nemours company under the brand name Duprene then, Neoprene in 1931.

Polychloroprene is a synthetic rubber which is made from two raw materials: buta-1,3-diene from petrochemicals and limestone.

Polychloroprene -CR foam is obtained by introducing a gas such as nitrogen into the material in the form of microscopic bubbles, open (open-cell) or closed (closed-cell).

Polychloroprene – Flexibility and chemical resistance

Its resistance to chemical contact and its flexibility make polychloroprene the versatile elastomer of choice. It offers good chemical resistance (acids, bases, oils, fats, alcohols, petroleum products, ketones, aliphatic solvents and also many industrial gases and vapors).

Polychloroprene – CR is mainly used for its weather resistance, its good mechanical properties, and its occasional resistance to hydrocarbons or moderate temperatures.

Summary of the properties of polychloroprene – CR

Advantages

  • High mechanical properties
  • Ozone and weather resistance
  • Good dynamic behavior
  • Self-extinguishing
  • Resistance to aliphatic oils
  • Operating temperature: -40 to +100°C

Disadvantages

  • Low resistance to water vapor

Applications of polychloroprene - CR

Polychloroprene – CR is mainly used in the making of glue, waterproof fabrics and joints.

The material is also used to make fuel-resistant gloves, tubes and seals, and lifeboats.

Finally, polychloroprene – CR is widely used in the manufacture of wetsuits for white water sports such as surfing or scuba diving, even if it is not 100% waterproof.

Approvals

  • NFL 17-131
  • NFL 17-132

Polychloroprene-CR brands

Neoprene, first called Duprene, is the brand name under which the Du Pont de Nemours company introduced a family of rubber based on polychloroprene into the rubber industry in 1931. It is the first synthetic rubber.

Polychloroprene – CR is marketed under several brands, including the following:

  • Butaclor®
  • Baypren®
  • Neoprene®
  • Denka Chloroprene®