Natural rubber is elastic and useful for gasketing, so why use an alternative?
The problem with natural rubber is that it can degrade over time— and while it does offer specific resistances, it can also be vulnerable to oils and chemicals. That means natural rubber isn’t always the best choice for gasketing material, which is where neoprene steps in.
At Strouse, we’ve spent over 34 years observing how different types of gasket materials can be used in specific applications.
To help you understand the benefits of using neoprene, let's dive into what you need to know about neoprene before making your final choice.
What is Neoprene?
Neoprene is a synthetic substitute for rubber that is a widely used gasketing material. It’s best known for its impressive strength, flexibility, and resistance to many chemicals and harsh environments, making it an ideal material for gasketing in many industries.
What is Neoprene Resistant To?
One of the biggest perks of using neoprene gasketing material is its resistance to chemicals, temperature, and weather conditions.
1. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Neoprene is celebrated for its resistance to petroleum-based concoctions. This includes many greases, solvents, and oils. It can also withstand methyl and ethyl alcohols, certain salt mixtures, and some alkaline solutions.
2. TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE
Neoprene can stand up to temperatures as hot as 275° F. This heat resistance is one of its most significant advantages over natural rubber and its lower gas permeability.
Neoprene won't physically degrade when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods like natural rubber can. Instead, it'll stiffen. Its heat resistance even carries over to actual flame resistance: Neoprene is self-extinguishing.
Neoprene can technically hold up against temperatures as low as -50° F. However, it's essential to understand that it becomes less functional when neoprene is used in temperatures below zero. It physically may hold up, but it'll likely no longer do what you need, so it's best to keep temperatures on the plus side with neoprene.
3. WEATHER RESISTANCE
Take it outside— sunlight and ozone are no match for neoprene! The material is highly rated for how it holds up in outdoor environments. Its oxidation rate is low and won't absorb moisture, so it can be counted on for prolonged outdoor use.
Neoprene as a Flexible Material
In addition to its high resistance properties, neoprene is a very extensible material, making it useful for many different gaskets. Yet, manufacturers also consider its flexibility as an additional challenge.
When it's time to cut neoprene into shape, it’s crucial to factor in elongation. For instance, if you allow the material to become stretched out as it's cut into shape, it'll fall back to its original form and won't end up in its intended size.
As a result, your die cutting methods must be carefully plotted out and performed to ensure you get the right shape and size for your gasket, which can be tricky.
Neoprene Gasket Uses
Although the flexibility can sometimes pose challenges during the conversion process, neoprene’s elastic properties can be advantageous.
Thanks to its elasticity, neoprene is ideal for something frequently in motion or active, requiring cushioning and impact absorption.
Regarding mechanical bonding, neoprene can meld with a spectrum of different materials like copper, brass, titanium, and cotton. With certain additives, neoprene can even combine with glass or acrylic.
Its heat, cold, and weather resistance make it an excellent material for items exposed to harsher conditions.
MEDICAL
Due to its ability to maintain shape, neoprene can be a long-lasting aid for those with long-term care needs. The neoprene fabric's flexibility and high resistance against water, oil, and abrasions make it ideal for medical use.
AUTOMOTIVE
Neoprene is durable against silicate ester lubricants and high aniline petroleum oils, but one of its most significant benefits is weather and ozone resistance.
ELECTRIC
You'll find neoprene in many electronics to help protect the sensitive chips and wiring, and its heat resistance allows it to tolerate the gadgetry heating up during use.
Neoprene resists fire and static, so it's often used as an insulator or base resin for adhesives. This thermal factor, combined with neoprene's resistance to water immersion, enables water and gas to flow through the membrane valves of a power plant. Because it has a wide temperature range, neoprene can retain movement while maintaining a powerful heat resistance.
Neoprene Gasket Cost
The price of buying a custom gasket will largely depend on the type of material you choose. Because neoprene is resistant to many things and offers high elasticity and force resistance, it tends to be a more expensive material.
If you're in the early stages of your project and still working out the budgeting and materials, think about what exactly you need your gasket to do. Is neoprene really the best option?
Remember, you don't need to buy a machete when you only need a butter knife!
Trying Neoprene Before Production
Neoprene is a high-performing gasket, but unfortunately, it tends to be on the pricier side. You’ll want to dive into mass production already knowing how well neoprene works in a design with the rest of your materials.
Choosing a material without testing it is a shot in the dark. Yet, with a part drawing, you can request a sample and prevent potential failure by testing samples of your design.
Are you curious about other gasket and seal solutions? For more resources, you can check out our Learning Center.
Originally published: August 1, 2022
