CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Polychloroprene rubber (CR), also known as neoprene, was the first commercially successful synthetic elastomer, synthesized accidentally in 1930 in a DuPont laboratory. First named Du Prene, the elastomer went on the market in 1931. Polychloroprene is produced in a variety of grades in both dry and latex forms. Dry grades of CR are normally used in industrial and automotive rubber goods such as hoses and belts. Latex grades of CR are used in waterborne adhesives and dipped goods. At present, polychloroprene is produced commercially in the United States, Germany, Japan, Armenia and China.

Polychloroprene is noted primarily for its high strength and excellent resistance to ozone, flame and weathering, as well as good resistance to abrasion, oxidants, oil and aging. However, it tends to be higher priced than other elastomers, has only fair dielectric properties, a mediocre resistance to low temperatures and loses resilience above 120°C. Because average under-hood temperatures in automobiles have been increasing, auto producers have been substituting competing elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers compete heavily in these markets, offering the additional advantage of recyclability.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of polychloroprene elastomers:

Global polychloroprene consumption is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.0% through 2013, with Taiwan showing the highest growth at 5.9% and Mexico the lowest with an estimated decrease of 3.9%. Consumption in Western Europe, Japan and the Republic of Korea is expected to slowly decline.

World demand for CR has decreased in recent years because of its relatively high price and increasing substitution from competing elastomers such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubber). This trend has been most notable in the automotive sector, which represents about 20% of global consumption.