Polychloroprene rubber (CR) is the polymer name for the synthetic rubber known as neoprene. This rubber was developed in 1931 and supposed to be the first specialty elastomers. This is one of the most important type of synthetic rubber with an annual consumption of nearly 300 000 tons worldwide. This rubber has a good balance of mechanical properties and fatigue resistance which is second only to natural rubber, but has superior oil, chemical and heat resistance. This type of rubber is widely used in general engineering applications.

Neoprene is an extremely versatile synthetic rubber is the DuPont Performance Elastomers trade name for a family of polychloroprene . Neoprene has more than 75 years of proven performance in a broad industry spectrum.

Properties of Polychloroprene (CR)
Neoprene rubber does not has just one outstanding property, but its balance of properties is unique among the other types of synthetic rubber. It has the following properties:

• It has good mechanical strength.
• It has high ozone and weather resistance.
• This rubber has good aging resistance.
• It has low flammability.
• It has good resistance toward chemicals.
• Moderate oil and fuel resistance.
• Adhesion to many substrates.
• Polychloroprene can be vulcanized by using various accelerator systems over a varied temperature range.
• It is less resistant than natural rubber to low temperature stiffening. But this can be compounded to give improved low temperature resistance.
• This rubber is suitable for use with mineral oils and greases and dilute acids and alkalis.

Applications
Neoprene rubber is used in various technical areas, mainly in the rubber industry. This rubber is also important as a raw material for adhesives which can both solvent based and water based. It also has different latex applications (such as dipped articles (like gloves), molded foam as well as improvement of bitumen. Application areas of this elastomer are widely spread like moulded goods, cables, transmission belts, conveyor belts, profiles etc.

Conclusion
Polychloroprene (CR) is and will continue to be one of the most important synthetic speciality type of synthetic rubber because its balance of properties is unique.