There are a multitude of customizable specifications for neoprene sheets, such as durometer, form, and composition. These specifications ultimately determine which type of neoprene material is the best neoprene for your unique application. Classifications such as soft neoprene and hard neoprene can give the consumer a general idea about the product being considered, but they are far too broad to give a real understanding of the product. Sheets and rolls made from this synthetic rubber can take the form of a solid or sponge. In the making of neoprene sheets, neoprene manufacturers can even make their products using a neoprene blend. By infusing their neoprene products with other elastomers, like EPDM and SBR, manufacturers further enhance neoprene sheets’ physical and chemical properties. In this article, we will answer some of your most pressing questions about neoprene sheets:

• What is the chemical name of neoprene?
• Are neoprene sheets used for seals and gaskets?
• Do neoprene sheets absorb sound?
• What does neoprene protect against?
• What are the properties of neoprene sheets?

What Is the Chemical Name of Neoprene?

The chemical name of neoprene is polychloroprene, based on the neoprene chemical formula. Hence neoprene rubber is also known as polychloroprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, CR rubber, and CR-grade neoprene. Given neoprene’s versatility, it is only natural to find neoprene rubber in a variety of applications. For every application, it is essential to find the correct combination of specifications. Variations in density, form, and composition will determine which functions the neoprene sheets are best applied to:

Are Neoprene Sheets Used for Seals and Gaskets?

Neoprene sheets are used for gasket, seal, and flange applications because of the compressive strength of neoprene rubber, neoprene temperature-range, neoprene resistance to abrasions, and neoprene oil-resistance. Automotive and industrial firms alike might find the ideal durometer of a sheet of neoprene to be 40 to 75 on the Shore A scale. Both solid neoprene and soft neoprene (also known as cell neoprene) can be utilized as a gasket, seal, or flange. In the end, deciding on a form of neoprene (polychloroprene) depends on the specifics of the application.

Do Neoprene Sheets Absorb Sound?

Neoprene sheets absorb sound. More specifically, neoprene—much like the other elastomers—absorbs vibrations. The neoprene molecular structure, as networks of cross-linked bonds, essentially makes neoprene a vibration-dissipating material. Generally, a thicker-gauge material with a medium durometer, like regular or hard neoprene—measuring between 60 to 75 on the Shore A scale—is ideal for sound and vibration reduction and isolation. Workplaces with heavy-duty industrial machinery would find neoprene sheets with these qualities to be the best neoprene to suit their needs. For, when heavy machinery operates without padding, it generates a lot of unnecessary noise, and both the machine and its subflooring can become damaged, leading to expensive repair or replacement costs. Better to invest in the right type of padding before that happens and so that you can reduce the amount of noise pollution that potentially pervades the work environment.

What Does Neoprene Protect Against?

Neoprene protects against damage from impacts, abrasions, and weather. The physical and all-weather resilience of most neoprene materials makes chloroprene rubber (CR) an excellent protective material in many cases. One of the first uses of neoprene was in electrical-wiring insulation due to qualities like neoprene UV-resistance and abrasion-resistance. A chloroprene rubber sheet is also frequently used as weather stripping for fire doors due to the flame-retardance that many forms of chloroprene possess.

Review: What Are the Properties of Neoprene Sheets?

The properties of neoprene sheets include impact-resistance, abrasion-resistance, compressibility, weather-resistance, oil-resistance, and sound-absorption. To find the best neoprene sheets for your application, you will need to take things such as density, form, and composition into account. While these specifications are perhaps the most important ones, there are other things to consider. Factors like tensile strength, temperature range and chemical resistance will determine the type of neoprene sheets you should use, especially for applications in unique environments that demand precise specifications. For such applications, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a sheet rubber specialist. Each and every specification matters.