Why Is Neoprene Chemical Resistant?

Neoprene has many applications because it is resistant to many chemicals.

Neoprene is the trade name given to synthesized polychloroprene by the DuPont corporation. It is resistant to chemicals because of its inert chemical formula that renders the compound stable when acted upon by outside forces.

Chemical Properties

Neoprene has diene polymers that have double bonds in the backbone chains. Dienes are molecules that have two carbon-carbon double bonds in the one and three positions. These molecules have further been vulcanized through the Ziegler-Natta polymerization method to render them stable, stretchable and inert across a range of environments .

Resistances

Neoprene does degrade when exposed to natural elements such as sun, ozone, temperature changes, burning and weather. Designed as a substitute for rubber, the formula does not react to oil and many other chemicals. Further, it exhibits a resistance to physical wear from flexing or twisting.

Composition

Neoprene is based on polychloroprene. Dupont modifies the basic polymer structure with sulfur or 2,3 dichloro 1,3-butadiene to alter the physical properties of Neoprene to make it useful in a wide range of applications in diverse industries, according to the DuPont Performance Elastomers website.

References

• Polymer Science Learning Center: Diene Polymers
• DuPont Performance Elastomers: Neoprene
• DuPont Performance Elastomers: Types of Neoprene
• International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers: Polychloroprene

Resources

• Ansell: Chemical Resistance Guide