Among many types of rubber, neoprene is one of the most balanced compounds. The all-purpose rubber boasts excellent resistance to ozone, oxidation and can tolerate a large range of temperatures. Among a host of other properties, this viable material can also provide resistance against chemicals such as ammonium and a variety of alcohols. These qualities have led to its use within several industrial and commercial applications. Used for electrical insulation or automotive belts, they have become valuable parts in common products within our market. What’s more, neoprene materials can be produced in two different forms: solid neoprene sheet and neoprene sponge. Although composed of the same general material, these two types of neoprene offer distinct benefits to different applications.

There are five factors that must be considered in order to determine the correct rubber form: temperature, compression, abrasion, tear-resistance and durometer. Here is a quick guide of the characteristics of each neoprene products or form:

• Solid Neoprene Sheet: These types of neoprene are the dense form of neoprene. Solid neoprene sheet shares many of the same chemical resistances as sponge neoprene but are distinct in how they can excel in abrasive conditions. The durometer (or measure of rubber hardness) is measured in shore “A” for solid neoprene and Shore “OO” for cellular neoprene. This goes hand-in-hand with a lower compressibility, since shore “A” rubber materials are not quite as compressible as sponges or foams. The tensile strength (or ability to be stretched without tearing) of dense neoprene products is also higher than its spongy counterpart. This culmination of higher durometer and tensile strength contribute to its solid form ability to endure conditions that experience constant wear. It can excel in applications that require mechanical strength due to its increased durability. But on the other hand the cellular nature of sponge products offers a softer more forgiving surface.

  As for temperature, it is the compound blend that would determine the range. Hence, solid sheet neoprene and sponge neoprene are no different from one another in terms of temperature tolerance. Often, both varieties are blended with other rubber compounds like styrene-butadiene (SBR) and nitrile (NBR), which make the product more affordable or give it other unique features. However, with the higher levels of neoprene found within the product blends, there will also be a larger tolerance of heat. Neoprene is in no regards a fire retardant material, but it is much less flammable than other rubber products. When aflame, the material will begin to melt but can be easily extinguished.

• Cellular Neoprene Sheet or Neoprene Sponge: Aptly named, sponge or cellular neoprene has a foam-like composition and is analogous with the common household sponge. It features a softer composition when compared to its solid counterpart, and is perforated with various air pockets within the material. The compressibility of sponge is high, so it can be squeezed easily, only to rebound when force is removed. This feature is the reason why sponge neoprene is ideal for seals and gaskets that need a really tight seal. It maintains a resilient quality that will not break under pressure, and will help prevent leakages from occurring. It is also excellent in retaining gas. The structure of sponge makes it an excellent material to insulate sound, vibrations and repel water. These qualities make it a popular choice in uses ranging from sound studios to hosing material.

  The foamy neoprene is not appropriate for abrasive conditions especially since it has a lower tensile strength and bounce-back quality than dense neoprene materials. For applications where increased durability is needed, the solid form of neoprene is the desirable choice. In regards to its temperature tolerance, this cellular neoprene maintains the same qualities as the aforementioned form.

A strong and functional rubber, neoprene is a great general-purpose material that is used in a variety of applications. Some neoprene products include gaskets, bumper pads, soundproofing material and even shoe soles. Offering qualities such as high temperature resistance, durability, and chemical resistance, it has found its way into several of these products. The synthetic rubber is produced in two basic forms, which gives the material an even greater range of use. When needed for an application that requires a resilient yet malleable material, cellular neoprene would be the appropriate choice. However, several applications subject materials to harsh conditions. In these instances, solid neoprene sheet would provide the necessary qualities needed. For added variation, these neoprene products are commercially manufactured with different blends to enhance their properties and bring solutions to a broader cliental. With the multitude of benefits neoprene has to offer, what will you be able to use these different types of neoprene for?