A solid neoprene rubber sheet is a highly waterproof material; however, the water-resistance of foam or cellular neoprene (e.g., closed cell and open cell) is reduced due to their cellular form. A solid neoprene rubber sheet is better resistant to the effects of water and will resist moisture-absorption that is usually harmful to other rubber variations. Water-resistant neoprene is a popular material used in both indoor and outdoor industrial settings. A solid neoprene rubber sheet can be used as protective padding, seals, or gaskets in marine settings to provide protection for boats and decks or industrial equipment from damage caused by impacts. Closed cell neoprene foam sheets, on the other hand, are also highly moisture-resistant materials that are generally used as protective insulators due to their pliable physical nature. Although closed cell neoprene foam is less resistant to moisture than its solid counterpart, the chemical resistance of neoprene allows both forms to be used in chemically abrasive environments. Overall, water-resistant neoprene, both solid and foam, are valued materials in marine settings for their excellent resistance to moisture and durability when faced with outdoor damaging factors.

Is All Neoprene Waterproof?

Not all neoprene is waterproof as the level of water-resistance varies depending on whether or not it is solid or cellular form. A solid neoprene rubber sheet holds a high degree of water-resistance while cellular neoprene foam sheets are more susceptible to absorbing moisture due to its porous structure. There are two types of neoprene foam sheets, open and closed cell, that can be used for highly compressive applications, but will not be as water resistant as a solid neoprene rubber sheet. Open cell neoprene foam is differentiated from closed cell neoprene by its larger air pockets. Closed cell neoprene foam has smaller, tight-knit pockets of air that allows the material to hold a high degree of moisture-resistance; however, it is not as moisture-resistant as its solid form. The chemical resistance of neoprene, both solid and closed cell foam, allows it to be used in chemically abrasive applications that may also involve moisture. A neoprene rubber sheet, whether it be solid or foam, is an ideal material for moisture-related applications and is popularly used in marine settings.

Is Closed Cell Neoprene Waterproof?

Closed cell neoprene foam sheets are not waterproof, but do hold a high degree of resistance to moisture. Closed cell neoprene foam sheets have a tight knit structure of air pockets which resists the permeation of moisture to a certain degree. For instance, “Closed foam sheets are usually made by introducing rubber compound to a gas, such as nitrogen, under high pressure” (rubberlibrary.com). This creates a denser neoprene rubber sheet with smaller air pockets and an absorption level of less than 5%. Due to their low absorption rate and flexibility, closed cell neoprene foam is often used as protective insulators in marine settings. Although closed cell neoprene foam sheets are highly moisture resistant, they are still porous materials that will eventually absorb moisture if it is left unattended for too long. Despite this, closed cell neoprene foam sheets are resistant to chemicals, oil, and outdoor damaging factors which makes them popular, and valued, materials used in industrial marine applications.

Does Neoprene Absorb Water?

A neoprene rubber sheet will not absorb water immediately upon contact, but the liquid can eventually permeate through the material if the liquid is left on its surface for long periods of time. This is especially true for neoprene foam sheets. Open cell neoprene foam is made up of large pockets of air that are visible to the naked eye which makes it a highly permeable material that will absorb liquids upon contact. Contrastingly, closed cell neoprene foam, although retaining a high level of moisture-resistance, is also susceptible to moisture-absorption when it is left unattended. A solid neoprene rubber sheet is able to resist the permeation of moisture to a high degree, but it is not 100% waterproof. However, it is often used as industrial seals because it is very difficult to permeate solid neoprene, especially when compared to open and closed cell neoprene foam sheets.

Does Neoprene Expand in Water?

Neoprene is a hydrophilic material, meaning that it can absorb water and expand when it is submerged. The term “hydrophilic” refers to a material’s “tendency to be wetted by water” (chembam.com). Although a neoprene rubber sheet is a hydrophilic material, it “tends to slowly absorb water” (greenspec.co.uk). This allows neoprene to be used in moisture-related applications where is can be exposed to excessive amounts of water. When rubber absorbs water, it generally softens and loses its strength which can be hazardous for applications involving high temperatures or caustic chemicals or solvents. As a case in point, “Absorption of water at elevated temperatures causes hydrolysis of certain groups in a polymer chain…Hydrolysis weakens the polymer since the backbone structure is altered” (xyleminc.com). Despite neoprene rubber sheet’s hydrophilic nature, it does tend to resist the permeation of water much better that other rubber variations, such as natural rubber, allowing it to retain its strength and durability in applications.

Can You Disinfect Neoprene?

It is possible to disinfect a neoprene rubber sheet due to its moisture and chemical-resistance properties. A neoprene rubber sheet is normally cleaned using water or, if the mess is dry, it can easily be dusted off with your hand or a dry rag. Other times, tougher messes, such as oil or chemicals, can be easily wiped away without causing damage to the material due to its excellent chemical and oil resistant properties. You may also clean closed cell neoprene foam sheets using water or a damp rag. Because closed cell foam is highly moisture-resistant, it can be cleaned similarly to how a solid neoprene rubber sheet is sanitized. However, unlike solid neoprene, closed cell foam should not be completely submerged in water during its cleaning process due to its porous nature. If a staining liquid is spilt on close cell neoprene foam, it should be wiped off within a short amount of time to prevent the liquid from permeating through the foam. Although closed cell neoprene foam has an absorption rate of less than 5%, it is still comprised off numerous air pockets that will eventually soak-up some moisture if it is not cleaned right away. Due to the moisture and chemical-resistance properties of neoprene, it is simple and easy to disinfect solid and foam neoprene parts.

Water-resistant neoprene is a highly prized commodity in industrial settings due to their ability to provide a reliable application that will not be negatively affected by moisture. Both solid and foam neoprene parts are ideal for application involving moisture because they are inherently moisture-resistant materials. Solid neoprene parts are often used for heavy-duty applications that may require impact-absorption abilities while closed cell neoprene foam sheets are generally used to make neoprene parts meant for light to medium-duty applications. Despite their difference in structure, the chemical resistance of neoprene allows both a solid and a closed cell neoprene rubber sheet to offer superior moisture-resistance both indoors and outdoors.