90 Years of Neoprene Rubber

At CB Frost, we supply a massive catalogue of rubber materials to be used across practically any application and we are continually looking to add to our material range in order to manufacture and supply the best possible products for our customers. However, as well as looking to innovate, we are also committed to supplying the materials that have been proven to be effective over many years. To this day, Neoprene continues to be one of our most durable, versatile and popular materials.

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene is a highly versatile synthetic elastomer compound that is suitable for a wide range of purposes. It is a closed cell synthetic rubber, invented by scientists at American company DuPont in 1930 and first introduced to the market in 1931. Developed as an oil resistant alternative to natural rubber, it features many of the same properties, but with resistance to degradation from ozone and general weathering. As a result, neoprene has been a popular choice for design engineers in all industries for the last 90 years.

Needless to say, neoprene has a proven track record for success in many applications.

Neoprene rubber

Also known as Chloroprene, neoprene rubber is a solid synthetic rubber that is well suited to a wide range of applications.

Key characteristics of neoprene rubber include:

• High tensile strength, tear resistance and physical toughness
• Resistance to UV, ozone and weather conditions
• Remains effective when exposed to temperatures between -20℃ and 80℃
• Compression set resistance, compression recovery and stress relaxation
• Performs well when exposed to oils and many chemicals

At CB Frost, we supply neoprene rubber in a range of thicknesses, and in a selection of different grades to suit customer requirements, including BS6853 Cat 2 and EN45545-2 fire safety approved grades.

Neoprene sponge

Neoprene sponge is a closed cell synthetic rubber material that features many similar properties to EPDM sponge and natural sponge. Like neoprene rubber, it is well suited to a wide range of applications, however, it does not exhibit the same resistance to UV, ozone and weathering.

Key characteristics of neoprene sponge include:

• Available in fire retardant grades
• Performs well when exposed to oils
• Remains effective when exposed to temperatures of between -40℃ and 75℃
• Chemically inert

We supply neoprene sponge in a range of thicknesses and in fire retardant grades to suit customer requirements.

What is Neoprene used for?

With a wide range of useful characteristics, including strength, weather resistance and vibration dampening, neoprene is widely used across many industries. Both neoprene rubber and sponge are highly versatile, and are commonly used for applications including:

• Insulation for wiring and cables
• Vibration damping and isolation pads and platforms
• High pressure gaskets
• Automotive gaskets
• Gaskets to seal air, water, oils, dust and other environmental elements
• O-rings
• Insulation strip or tape
• Cord

As well as use in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical and healthcare, agriculture, transport, rail and defence, neoprene is also regularly used for wetsuits, athleticwear and a range of athletic equipment.

Our Neoprene Rubber products

As well as supplying neoprene rubber and sponge in sheet or roll form, our inhouse manufacturing capabilities allow for us to convert neoprene into an extensive range of products to suit any application that our customers require.

Using our overhead and high speed cutting presses, we can cut neoprene sheet material into strip form, or adhesive backed to create insulation tape for ease of use. We stock a wide range of adhesives to suit each application.

We use a wide range of manufacturing processes to create products including gaskets, washers, o-rings, insulation materials and cord. In addition to cutting sheet material to shape using our die cutting and brandsaw processes, we can also convert neoprene to the required shape through extrusion, moulding and fabrication processes.

To discuss your application requirements, and choose the ideal specification of neoprene to suit your needs, you can contact our expert sales team by calling +44 (0)121 773 8494 or email us and we will be happy to assist you.