Neoprene (GR: or Polychloroprene or Dupe)

Preparation: Neoprene is prepared by the free radical polymerisation of chloroprene in an emulsion system. Starting materials are acetylene and HCN. Neoprene can be vulcanised to considerable extent by heat alone. Its physical properties are enhanced by compounding it with metallic oxides like Zno or Mgo.

Properties:

(1)                         The presence of chlorine and Trans 1, 4 structures imparts superior resistance to vegetable and mineral oils and high temperature.

(2)                         The vulcanised products are found to have excellent tensile strength.

(3)                         It has good resistance to ozone and abrasion thereby preventing easy oxidative degration.

USES: neoprene is used for making:

(a)                          Gloves

(b)                         Industrial hoes and gaskets

(c)                          Insulation coating to wire and cables

(d)                         Tubing for carrying corrosive gases and oils

(e)                         Conveyer belts

(f)                           Sponges

(g)                          Shoes soles