What is Neoprene?

Neoprene is a sort of synthetic rubber that is produced when chloroprene undergoes polymerization.

Neoprene is a material that is used for a wide variety of purposes. It is very popular for use in laptop sleeves, electrical insulation, orthopedic braces, and even car fan belts. I

n addition to all of this it is also used to make various types of clothing… especially clothing that is meant to be worn in the water.

Neoprene was actually invented by scientists working for DuPont back in 1930. Due to the high chemical inertness of the material, it was well suited for applications such as those found in hoses, gaskets, and adhesives. 

The reason as to why neoprene make such a good insulator is because it is foamed with nitrogen gas. These tiny enclosed gas bubbles give it a much higher insulation rating, which is part of the reason why neoprene is so popular. In its natural rubber state, it actually does not insulate any better than rubber.

Neoprene is also used widely in sports as a sort of skating liner, and in music as a joint sealer for instruments like the clarinet. There is no doubt as to the fact that neoprene is a useful, everyday product that has made life easier in many ways.

From wetsuits, to chest waders, to pot holders to neoprene camera bags......neoprene is an amazing material that amazing products are made from.

There is just nothing that works quite like it...plus, it is inexpensive to produce and very flexible, even at very low temperatures.

You probably use neoprene more than a few times each day, and you might not even realize it. It has become such a staple part of our lives that we often  take products made from it for granted!