NEOPRENE

INTRODUCTION Neoprene or poly chloroprene is a

family of synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene.

Neoprene exhibits good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range.

It is used in wide variety of applications , such as laptop sleeves , orthopedic braces , electrical insulation and automotive fan belts.

PRODUCTION Neoprene is produced by free

radical polymerization of chloroprene.

In commercial production ,this polymer is prepared by free radical emulsion polymerization.

PRODUCTION Polymerization is initiated by

using potassium per sulfate. Neoprene can be produced either

in closed cell or open cell form. The closed cell form is water

proof ,less compatible and more expensive.

The open cell form can be breathable

HISTORY Neoprene was invented by DuPont

scientists on April 17, 1930 after Dr Elmer K. Bolton of DuPont attended a lecture by Fr Julius Arthur Nieuwland, a professor of chemistry at the University of Notre Dame.

Nieuwland's research was focused on acetylene chemistry and during the course of his work he produced di vinyl acetylene, a jelly that firms into an elastic compound similar to rubber when passed over sulfur dichloride.

HISTORY  After DuPont purchased the patent

 rights from the university, Wallace Carothers of DuPont took over commercial development of Nieuwland's discovery in collaboration with Nieuwland himself. 

Arnold Collins at DuPont focused on mono vinyl acetylene and reacted the substance with hydrogen chloride gas, manufacturing chloroprene.[5]

APPLICATIONS Neoprene resists degradation more than

natural or synthetic rubber.  This relative inertness makes it well

suited for demanding applications such as gaskets, hoses, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

 It can be used as a base for adhesives, noise isolation in power transformer installations, and as padding in external metal cases to protect the contents while allowing a snug fit.

APPLICATIONSIN AQUATICS: Neoprene is commonly used as a material

for fly fishing waders, as it provides excellent insulation against cold.

Neoprene waders are usually about 5 mm thick, and in the medium price range as compared to cheaper materials such as nylon and rubber.

However, neoprene is less expensive than breathable fabrics. A foamed neoprene containing gas cells is used as an insulation material, most notably in wetsuits.

APPLICATIONSIN SPORTS: In the equestrian world, it is used in cinches,

saddle pads, bareback pads, and many other applications in all disciplines.

It is often used in Air soft as a protective garment, as it is thin enough to feel the hit, but thick enough to reduce the impact velocity, thus avoiding breakage of the skin by the pellet.

Training knives and swords are made of Neoprene for safe self-defense instructions, practice, sparring, and martial arts demonstrations.

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