Neoprene grades are broken down into a variety of categories. The selection of type and grade of neoprene rubber sheeting is typically dependent upon a combination of four different factors: product performance, crystallization resistance, Mooney viscosity, and building tack. These can often be found on a supplier’s specific neoprene data sheet. Knowing what these neoprene grades are and how they may impact the outcome of a project will help to hasten the process of selecting a product that will best suit your application’s needs. It is good to be aware of these factors before you purchase neoprene. Keeping in mind your options, researching your project’s needs, and consulting with a professional will ensure that you make a wise and money-saving decision

Neoprene rubber made its original debut in the 1930s. The DuPont Company was the first manufacturer of this elastomer. It quickly made a name for itself thanks to its durability and chemical resistance capabilities. If you were looking for to buy a rubber for a laboratory or construction job, chances were good that you would purchase neoprene rubber. Over the years, many new and different neoprene grades have gone on the market that have expanded the elastomer’s versatility.

Many different every day products are made of rubber and many of these are neoprene! The neoprene rubber sheeting products offered at Rubber-Cal, Inc. are recommended most for industrial gasketing purposes but can also be used in sound studios, construction sites, underlayment, chemical resistance applications, laboratory equipment protection, or even as pet care flooring. To determine which of the neoprene grades would best suit your application, consider the following four factors next time you decide to purchase neoprene:

1. Product Performance: This is found to be the most important physical neoprene properties for the best maximum service lifespan. For neoprene rubber sheeting, these product performance properties include tear and flex resistance, compression set, stress relaxation resistance, and a wide range of temperature resistance. These physical properties inherent in this elastomer make it ideal for use as belts, seals, bearing pads, and gaskets. Many details regarding a neoprene’s product performance can easily be found in that product’s specific neoprene data sheet.

2. Crystallization Resistance: This characteristic will vary slightly depending on the type and grade needed. This is determined by the product operating temperatures and/or whatever processing requirements need to be met. The neoprene grades found in the W and T categories tend to have a higher resistance to crystallization than those found in the G category.

3. Mooney Viscosity: This type of viscosity measurement is used specifically with elastomers to determine their tensile strength and is taken at a certain temperature dictated by the manufacturer.

4. Building Tack: This is determined by the ease of lamination in processing when/if needed for an application.

Neoprene rubber is widely accepted as a good general-purpose elastomer. Neoprene rubber sheeting is in demand for many different types of industrial applications. The important physical neoprene grades discussed above should be considered when making your product selections just as much as each of the four factors. Whether you are working in the commercial or industrial industries or if you are trying out a Do-It-Yourself project, make sure to consider what the end goal is for your application to help determine what specific characteristics you will need from one of our neoprene products. Also make sure always check on the neoprene data sheet for a specific type of neoprene rubber!

The many different neoprene grades available help to guarantee that there is a neoprene rubber sheeting product suitable to your needs. Consulting with one of our rubber experts about information regarding different neoprene grades can save you time and money by ensuring that you are getting exactly what your application requires most the first time! Always remember: consider your options, research your needs, and consult with a professional!