Five Interesting Facts About Neoprene

Here at Cannon Gasket, we manufacture top lines of gaskets, O-rings, and other connective parts for a long list of industries. Our team brings the engineering know-how and professionalism to shape custom product lines that will tighten up your supply chain.

One of the hot materials companies have been working with lately is called neoprene. Here is some background on this material and why it keeps earning so much work in gaskets and similar parts.

A DuPont Product

Neoprene was initially invented by DuPont in 1930. The chemical giant originally called it “ Duprene.” No real surprise DuPont engineered the compound first, given the sheer reach of its operations across the United States, a footprint it has held since the early twentieth century.

Neoprene’s Chemical Process

Neoprene is made by the ‘free-radical polymerization of chloroprene.’ On the industrial side, emulsion polymerization builds the material, with a compound called potassium persulfate running alongside. Clear as mud, right? You do not have to be a scientist to see how useful the stuff is across consumer and business products.

Neoprene Makes All Kinds of Things

As mentioned above, neoprene is a workhorse for manufacturing. You will see it in things like laptop sleeves. Manufacturers also reach for it when they build orthopedics. Neoprene is a popular pick for auto parts and across the transportation and defense industries. It even shows up in certain types of sports clothing.

Neoprene’s Durability

One of the biggest benefits of neoprene is how well it resists degradation. Where plenty of other compounds flake, corrode, or break down over time, neoprene holds strong. That is a big part of why connective gaskets keep landing on this material.

Neoprene Can Help Fight Covid-19

There are reports that manufacturers are using neoprene to make facemasks in the wake of the pandemic. Scientists point out that neoprene can trap 99% of particles under a certain size.

Why does any of this matter? Picking the right materials is one way we lock in quality results and help our customers squeeze more out of their industrial processes. Take a look through our catalog: rubber gaskets and washers, silicone gaskets, plastic washers, neoprene and PTFE washers, EPDM washers, die-cut washers and gaskets, plus a lot more, all built to make your industrial solutions work. Bring us any question on pricing, customization, shipping, delivery, or anything else. At Cannon Gasket, we are proud to supply customers with exactly what they need to compete in fast-paced markets.