What are the properties of chloroprene rubber?

Chloroprene rubbers have excellent dynamic properties and good flame resistance, combined with moderate oil resistance. They are also resistant to ozone and weathering. The mechanical properties of CR are better than those of most other synthetic rubbers. The operating temperature range of these compounds is from -20 to +120°C.

What is CR rubber?

CR stands for chloroprene rubber, a synthetic rubber and belongs to the elastomers of the R group, which are characterised by an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain. Probably the best-known trade name is Neoprene® In addition, the material is also traded as Baypren®.

What is the difference between CR and synthetic rubber?

The material is resistant to embrittlement, ozone and weathering. The synthetic rubber shows good swelling resistance in mineral oils with an aniline point, in greases, many refrigerants and in water. CR is moderately resistant to swelling in mineral oils and low-molecular aliphatic hydrocarbons.

How do you cure chloroprene rubber?

It can be cured by cold vulcanisation or using sulfur-containing compounds, but also with magnesium oxide, zinc oxide or using peroxides. Chloroprene rubbers have excellent dynamic properties and good flame resistance, combined with moderate oil resistance. They are also resistant to ozone and weathering.

How is chloroprene rubber made?

In the chemical industry, chloroprene rubber is always produced by emulsion polymerisation. The resulting dispersion is precipitated by addition of acid and subsequent cooling, dried and made into chips. These are dusted with talc to prevent them from sticking together.

Who invented chloroprene rubber?

The idea behind chloroprene rubber came from the American botanist and chemist Julius Arthur Nieuweland, who worked alongside Wallace Hume Carothers, head of research for DuPont. In 1930, Arnold Collins, a colleague of Carothers, polymerised polychloroprene for the first time under economically viable conditions using the emulsion method.