As technology advances, humans feel more confident around the force of nature – and it certainly won’t be their outfit to stop them! Neoprene is one of those game-changing materials that have been enabling people around the world to go deeper into the seas, withstand extreme temperatures, and go beyond their own limits.
Today, Neoprene is one of the most versatile and efficient fabrics on the market, especially when used for outerwear and sportswear. Yet, Neoprene, as we know it today, has been on the market for just under a century – newer fabrics have started to compete with the timeless efficiency of Neoprene. Discover the options for your new products here.
What Is Neoprene Fabric?
Neoprene fabric is a patented material originally produced by DuPont Corporation. The international brand made known to the world polychloroprene, a durable, elastic, and versatile material used as a substitute for rubber. This synthetic material has one property among many that make it stand out from the rest – it is entirely waterproof.
This characteristic has made it a prime fabric to create garments designed to protect in extreme environments, regulate temperature, and insulate against the elements. From wetsuits to protective apparel, Neoprene has always been regarded as an exceptionally versatile fabric. Here’s what you need to know about using Neoprene for your next project.
Where Does Neoprene Come From?
In the 20th century, a global rubber shortage made chemists and corporations look into synthetic materials to fulfill the demand of industrial giants. Established companies such as DuPont led the research into synthetic compounds, thanks to the partnership with luminaries of academic bodies such as the University of Notre Dame. The company’s experiments were successful, and they were able to release new material into the global market in 1930. The new material, which goes by the scientific name of polychloroprene, belongs to the family of plastics and it is today better known by its commercial name – Neoprene.
As we have seen, Neoprene was used as a substitute for rubber and played a critical role in manufacturing during and after the First World War. Today, this substance is mainly used for wetsuit production and protective gear design.
Neoprene comes from the processing of petroleum. Thus, it is characterized as a petrochemical substance. However, the potential of this compound is close to unlimited linkage. After polymerization, natural chloroprene is turned into synthetic polychloroprene (Neoprene). While the initial and final substances are very similar from a chemical viewpoint, they have different features and properties.
The raw materials of Neoprene are in liquid form, and are filled in barrels then delivered to processing plants. Based on formula, necessary additives will be added in the liquid to promote its physical properties. Afterwards, the solution is baked in an industrial oven and turns hard. The hardened Neoprene “loaf” is cut in slices. Depending on how thick the slices of Neoprene are when processed, manufacturers will work with sheets that vary in thickness from 3mm to 5mm.
The sliced Neoprene will be sent to a clothing manufacturer. The last step of the process involves sewing together the various slices to create the desired product.
*Sewport Support Team. (2021, July 21). What is Neoprene Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where[Web log post]. Retrieved from https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/neoprene-fabric
What Are the Benefits of Neoprene Fabric?
Neoprene is an extremely durable and versatile material. Thanks to its manufacturing process, this compound assumes certain features that make it unique.
In fact, Neoprene is waterproof and resistant to a range of environmental and chemical factors, including oxidation, ozone, UV rays, and polluting agents. What’s more is that Neoprene is resistant to drastic temperature changes, which allow it to remain elastic, flexible, and, if worn, comfortable in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +120 °C.
Some of the main benefits of Neoprene include the following:
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