What To Know About Neoprene Fabrics

By Angela McDonald


Neoprene also goes by the name polychloroprene. It refers to a family of synthetic rubbers which are manufactured through the process of chloroprene polymerization. Good chemical stability ia one of the reputations neoprene fabrics exhibit. They are also exhibit high flexibility over a wide temperature spectrum. There are numerous different forms of the substance, but latex and solid rubber are the main forms it is sold in. Many industries have several applications that make use of it.

Polymerization of chloroprene is the known method used in producing neoprene. Free radical emulsion polymerization is used for production on a commercial scale. Initiation of the polymerization process is done by potassium persulfate. Crosslinking of individual polymer strands is done using various substances such as thoureas, bifunctional nucleophiles, and metal oxides like magnesium oxide. Without including production from China and Russia, annual production amounts to 300, 000 tons worldwide. The amount produced increases each year, especially with the expansion in the Chinese economy.

Neoprene has a very long history given that it was invented in 1930 by scientists from DuPont. The research was done by someone called Nieuwland at the university of Notre Dame and resulted in an intermediate product. The patent rights for the intermediate product were later purchased from the university by DuPont and commercial development began. After further research, chloroprene was developed.

DuPont marketed the product first in 1931. At that time, DuPrene was a trade name. DuPrene exhibited a bad odor and needed further refinement. Further refinement eliminated the odor and cut the production costs by half. The use of the name DuPrene was restricted to protect the product and its reputation again substandard manufacturers.

This material has more resistance to degradation in comparison to natural or synthetic rubber. This quality makes it better for demanding applications like corrosion-resistant coatings, hoses, and gaskets. It has been used as an adhesive, noise isolation, and padding in external metal cases. The material also offers better resistance against burning than other rubbers that re exclusively hydrocarbon based. This quality makes them to be used in combat related attire such as face masks and gloves. It is also used in fire doors and lining landfills.

These materials are good insulators against cold. That feature makes them useful in making fly fishing waders. The waders made are normally 5 millimeters in thickness and are moderately priced as opposed to other warders made from rubber and nylon and cheaply priced. Shock protection devices are made using foamed neoprene.

Many accessories in homes are also manufactured from the material. The use of these fabrics in the manufacture of home accessories has been on the rise for many years. Tablet holders, mouse pads, cycling chamois, remote controls, and laptop sleeves are among the most typical accessories made from the material. Low-resilient polyurethane (LRPu) is a major competitor in this market segment.

Many uses of the fabrics are also in the sports arena. They make products like bareback pads, saddle pads, and cinches among others. Also, the material absorbs and spreads impact energy well, a quality that allows to be used n making protective garment in Airsoft.




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