Neoprene in construction
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber made from hydrochloric acid and acetylene, or from the polymerisation of chloroprene. It is also known as polychloroprene and pc-rubber. Developed by US-based DuPont in the 1930s, it was first sold under the trade name DuPrene, but its success was hampered by a powerful odour. This was rectified by the introduction of a revised, cheaper process which allowed sales to increase dramatically.
[edit] Properties
Neoprene is relatively inert and, compared to ordinary rubber, is more chemically stable. It shows greater resistance to ozone, UV degradation, light, heat, oxidation and petroleum and remains flexible over a wide range of temperatures. Its pliability and corrosion resistance make it suitable for use in hoses and as gaskets (for example, for sealing glazing and cladding units).
Neoprene itself tends to be waterproof, but neoprene products can allow the entry of water though seams or if they are cracked or damaged.
It is available in a number of forms including sheet, roll and strip, and in thicknesses typically from 0.1mm to 25mm.
[edit] Applications
In the home, neoprene can be found in products including remote controls, mouse pads and laptop sleeves.
It is used in construction for applications including; elastomeric membranes and flashings, noise isolation, electrical insulation, motor fan-belts and gaskets. Because it is more fire resistant than hydrocarbon-based rubbers, it can be used for fire doors and in personal protection equipment such as face masks and gloves.
Neoprene can be applied as a waterproofing layer on roofs in either sheet or liquid-applied elastomeric membranes. It can also provide the load-transferring contact surface between two components, such as a beam and the substructure, and can absorb vibration and prevent sound transmission. Neoprene pads are used for bearings in bridge construction where they can absorb horizontal movement in multiple directions.
Used as a foam strip, or foam tape, neoprene offers a solution to air and water leakage problems and is used widely for glazing applications.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Adhesives
- Acrylic.
- Carbon fibre
- Cavity wall insulation
- ETFE
- Glass for buildings
- Glass reinforced concrete
- Glass reinforced plastic GRP
- Graphene in civil engineering
- Grouting in civil engineering.
- Icynene spray foam insulation
- Mastic sealant
- Nylon
- Phenolic foam insulation
- Plastic
- Polyamide intermediates
- Polyethylene.
- Polystyrene
- Polyurethane spray foam in structurally insulated panels and composite structures
- Polyvinyl chloride PVC
- Recyclable construction materials
- Renewable chemicals
- Solid wall insulation
- Structural steelwork
- Sustainable materials
- Thermoplastic materials in buildings
- Transparent insulation
Featured articles and news
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.