Chloroprene (CR)
Chloroprene Rubber (CR), commonly known as Neoprene, is a synthetic elastomer derived from the polymerization of 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene. It was one of the earliest synthetic rubbers developed as an alternative to Natural Rubber, designed to provide balanced mechanical strength, weather resistance, and chemical stability.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our CR elastomers are formulated to deliver exceptional versatility and performance in applications requiring oil, ozone, and weather resistance combined with moderate mechanical strength and flexibility. CR exhibits inherent flame resistance, excellent adhesion to metals and fabrics, and good resistance to aging, sunlight, and oxidation, making it one of the most well-rounded general-purpose elastomers available.
Performance Advantages
- Excellent weathering and ozone resistance: Ideal for outdoor and marine applications exposed to UV, oxygen, and ozone.
- Good oil, fuel, and chemical resistance: Performs well in contact with aliphatic oils and greases where NR or SBR would degrade.
- Inherent flame resistance: Self-extinguishing due to its chlorine content — ideal for electrical, transportation, and safety-critical components.
- Good mechanical strength and tear resistance: Provides reliable durability under moderate dynamic loading.
- Outstanding adhesive properties: Bonds readily to metals, textiles, and other rubbers — commonly used in composite structures.
- Good compression set characteristics: Maintains sealing load and dimensional stability under long-term stress.
- Wide service temperature range: Retains flexibility and resilience from –40 °F to +250 °F (–40 °C to +120 °C), depending on compound design.
Applications
Eutsler designs and manufactures custom CR compounds for use across multiple industries, including industrial, marine, transportation, and aerospace environments.
Typical applications include:
- Seals and gaskets for moderate oil exposure
- Vibration isolators and shock mounts
- Wire and cable insulation
- Weatherstripping and expansion jointsConveyor belts and roll coverings
- Weatherstripping and expansion joints
- Adhesive bonding layers for rubber-to-metal assemblies
- Flame-retardant seals and sleeves in power generation and HVAC systems
CR elastomers combine balanced physical performance with long-term aging stability, making them a preferred choice for general-purpose sealing and vibration control in mixed environments.
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s CR compounds exhibit:
- High tensile strength (2,000–3,500 psi) with strong fatigue resistance
- Good compression-set behavior under heat and load
- Low gas permeability for pressure retention
- Stable elasticity at low temperatures
- Resistance to degradation from sunlight, ozone, and moderate oils
- Natural flame retardancy, meeting many UL94 and FMVSS flammability classifications
Note: CR is not recommended for continuous exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons, strong oxidizers, or ketone solvents. For high-temperature or aggressive oil environments, HNBR or FKM may be better suited.
General Characteristics of Chloroprene (CR) Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 40 – 95 | Adjustable for soft to high-duro formulations |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,500 – 3,500 | Strong and consistent mechanical properties |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 150 – 500 | Flexible with good toughness |
| Compression Set | Good | Maintains sealing load after long-term compression |
| Resilience / Rebound | Good | Balanced energy return; low damping |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Suitable for dynamic service |
| ear Resistance | Good | Durable under repeated flexing |
| Oil Resistance | Good | Performs well in aliphatic oils; not for aromatics |
| Solvent Resistance | Moderate | Resists alcohols, water, and dilute acids |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –40 °F (–40 °C) | Retains flexibility in cold conditions |
| High-Temperature Usage | +250 °F (120 °C) | Upper limit depends on cure system |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Excellent | Ideal for outdoor or marine exposure |
| Flame Resistance | Excellent (self-extinguishing) | Chlorine chemistry limits flammability |
| Adhesion to Metals | Excellent | Bonds strongly with proper surface treatment |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded CR Components
With over 60 years of elastomer manufacturing expertise, Eutsler Technical Products specializes in custom-formulated CR parts designed for long service life and mechanical stability.
Our technical team partners with customers to define compound hardness, cure system, and filler system tailored to the exact operating conditions.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, we ensure strict quality control and repeatable production consistency from prototype to volume manufacturing.
Request a quote today for high-performance CR components engineered to meet your specifications.
Summary
Chloroprene Rubber (CR) remains one of the most versatile and well-balanced general-purpose elastomers, offering mechanical strength, chemical stability, and flame resistance suitable for industrial, marine, and safety-critical sealing applications.
- Chemical Family: Polychloroprene (Chloroprene Rubber, CR)
- Service Temperature Range: –40 °F to +250 °F (–40 °C to +120 °C)
- Distinguishing Features: Exceptional weathering, flame resistance, and adhesion
- Key Advantages:
- Balanced oil and chemical resistance
- Natural flame retardancy
- Excellent ozone and oxidation resistance
- Strong adhesion to metals and fabrics
- Limitations:
- Not resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons or ketones
- Moderate resilience compared to NR or SBR
Why Choose Eutsler Technical Products?
R&D
Experienced staff develop high performance and long life parts
Material Selection
Over 300 compounds or custom elastomeric compounds available
Mold Design
Custom molds are designed ensuring tolerances are met
Manufacturing
Molding, extrusion and die cutting services to build your part
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