What Is Neoprene Made Of?
Neoprene starts as polychloroprene. Polychloroprene is mostly devised of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Polychloroprene is considered a polymer or long-chained molecule that links together smaller molecules. When the single molecules link together they form giant multiple-unit molecules of chloroprene.

Neoprene History

Is Neoprene Rubber?
Neoprene and natural rubber are both polymers, but neoprene is made by chemical synthesis. Natural rubber is extracted from a tree and is sensitive to temperature changes. The heavy demand for rubber led to the development of neoprene.

Where Is Neoprene Made?
Neoprene is made through suppliers and rubber molders.

How Is Neoprene Made?
There are two ways to make neoprene; the first is an oil derived process and the second is a limestone process. The oil derived process is the most popular and the limestone process is considered more environmentally friendly.

Both processes begin with a chemical reaction using chloroprene which binds all the molecules of the reaction together, leaving polychloroprene chips. The process results in polychloroprene chips which are melted together and combined with other foaming agents and carbon pigments, then baked and sliced into sheets.

During the process to create neoprene, the oil-based method uses butadiene (derived from petroleum) while the limestone method uses acetylene (derived from calcium carbonate found in limestone). The limestone method uses special technology to convert the calcium carbonate into chloroprene rubber chips and then additional processing to create neoprene foam.

Neoprene created from the limestone process has very different characteristics than oil-based neoprene. Limestone-based neoprene differs from oil based because it has higher-density closed cell structure. The closed cells contain air bubbles packed tightly together. The benefit of the higher density closed cell structure is increased elasticity, durability, decreased water absorption, and increases heat retention.

Does Neoprene Float?
The amount of air inside neoprene will decide how much water can penetrate into it. The more air neoprene contains, then the less water can soak into it. When limestone neoprene is produced it is manufactured by added nitrogen. The added nitrogen increases the insulation and also increases the overall buoyancy because the cells do not absorb water. The traditional oil-based neoprene has lower cell penetration and liquid base, which means it has less air and allows more water to soak into it.

Does Neoprene Stretch?
Neoprene is a stretchy material. When neoprene is used to make wetsuits they can stretch five to six times its original length.

Are Neoprene Boots Warm?
Boots made of neoprene outer layers are designed to keep your own heat from escaping while preventing cold air from getting into the boots. Neoprene boots are most efficient if you encounter water since neoprene is also waterproof.

Are Neoprene Gloves Warm?
Gloves made with neoprene are designed to keep your own heat from escaping while preventing cold air from getting into the gloves. Neoprene gloves are most efficient if you encounter water since neoprene is also waterproof.

Are Neoprene Weights Safe?
Neoprene is one of the most popular materials used to cover dumbbells. Neoprene dumbbells have a soft, smooth coating, but is not slick and is easy to grip.

Is Neoprene Safe to Wear?
Yes, neoprene is generally safe, which is why it’s used for wet suits, gloves and other apparel items.