Neoprene
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225842547
2008-07-15T17:32:33Z
GMan552
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[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 225673363 by [[Special:Contributions/96.236.129.194|96.236.129.194]] ([[User talk:96.236.129.194|talk]])
'''Neoprene''' or '''polychloroprene''' is a family of synthetic [[rubber]]s that are produced by [[polymer]]ization of [[chloroprene]].<ref name="dpe2003">{{cite web | title=Technical information — Neoprene | publisher=''Du Pont Performance Elastomers'' | year=2003 | month=Oct | url=http://www.dupontelastomers.com/literature/neoprene/585E7A59DA93810F6B1A7900D3712585.pdf}}</ref> It is used in a wide variety of environments, such as in [[wetsuit]]s, laptop sleeves, [[electricity|electrical]] [[Electrical insulation|insulation]], and [[automobile|car]] fan [[belt (mechanical)|belt]]s. Neoprene is the DuPont Performance Elastomers trade name.
==History==
Neoprene was invented by DuPont scientists on [[April 17|17<sup>th</sup> April]] [[1930]]<ref>The Ten-Year Invention: Neoprene and Du Pont Research, 1930-1939 by John K. Smith, Published by The Johns Hopkins University Press</ref> after Dr. [[Elmer Keiser Bolton|Elmer K. Bolton]] of [[DuPont]] laboratories attended a lecture by Fr. [[Julius Arthur Nieuwland]], a professor of [[chemistry]] at the [[University of Notre Dame]]. Fr. Nieuwland's research was focused on [[acetylene]] chemistry and during the course of his work he produced divinyl acetylene, a jelly which firms into an elastic compound similar to rubber when passed over [[sulfur dichloride]]. 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. DuPont focused on monovinyl acetylene and reacted the substance with [[hydrogen chloride]] gas, manufacturing [[chloroprene]].
Neoprene (originally called '''duprene''') was the first mass-produced synthetic rubber compound.
==Applications==
Its chemical inertness makes it well suited for industrial applications such as [[gasket]]s, [[hose (tubing)|hose]]s, and [[corrosion]]-resistant [[coating]]s. It can be used as a base for [[adhesive]]s, noise isolation in power [[transformer]] installations, and as padding in external metal cases to protect the contents while allowing a snug fit. Neoprene weather stripping is commonly used in [[fire door]]s as its fire resistance is higher than exclusively hydrocarbon based rubbers,<ref name="dpe1">{{cite web | title=Neoprene - polychloroprene | publisher=''DuPont Elastomers'' | url=http://www.dupontelastomers.com/Products/neoprene/neoprene.asp?id=wikineo | accessdate=2008-04-09}}</ref> also owing to its appearance in combat related attire such as gloves and face masks. Neoprene is also used as a contrast in some jewelry designs. Its springy consistency makes it notoriously difficult to fold when in sheet form.
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.
For diving and exposure protection applications, the air spaces in the neoprene are filled with [[nitrogen]] for its insulation value. This also makes the material quite buoyant, and the diver must compensate for this by wearing weights. Thick wet suits made at the extreme end of their cold water protection are usually made of 7 mm thick neoprene. It should be noted that since neoprene contains air spaces, the material compresses under water pressure, getting thinner at greater depths. So a 7 mm neoprene wet suit offers much less exposure protection under one hundred feet of water than at the surface. A recent advance in neoprene for wet suits is the "super-flex" variety which combines [[spandex]] into the neoprene for a greater flexibility.
Recently, neoprene has become a favorite material for lifestyle and other home accessories including [[laptop]] sleeves, [[iPod]] holders, [[remote control]]s, etc.
Also in recent years, Jug, an aftermarket inline skate liner manufacturer, has incorporated neoprene into the construction of some of their more popular product-lines, citing that neoprene adds reinforcement (ankle support) and guards against abrasions like few materials do. As a simple matter of durability and product lifespan, liners constructed with neoprene additives are typically more expensive than those which are not.
Musical instrument maker Yamaha has begun replacing corks not used for sealing (such as sealing the joints of a clarinet) with neoprene.
Neoprene is also used for drum practice pads.
It is also commonly in its Neoprene [[spandex]] mixture used in [[wheelchair]] positioning harnesses.
==Precautions==
Although neoprene itself is not a skin contact sensitizer, certain neoprene adhesives contain 4% [[rosin]] ([[CAS number|CAS No.]] 8050-09-7, previously known as "colophony"), which is a skin contact sensitizer under the [[List of European Union directives#Technology_and_safety|European Union Dangerous Preparations Directive 1999/45/EC]].<ref name="dpe2003"/> Some people are allergic to neoprene while others can get dermatitis from [[thiourea]], a compound used to [[vulcanize]] rubber into neoprene which can be left over after the manufacturing process.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}
[[Lead]]-containing compounds, such as [[litharge]] (lead(II) oxide), are used as compounding agents to prepare finished products made of neoprene, and these can have a toxic effect on human blood, kidneys, and reproductive systems.<ref name="dpe2003"/>
==References==
{{Refimprove|date=February 2008}}
<references/>
{{DuPont}}
[[Category:Elastomers]]
[[Category:Insulators]]
[[Category:DuPont]]
[[Category:Brand name materials]]
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