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Why choosing neoprene to make wetsuits?
Almost every one of us has used rubber for various daily tasks and chores. However, have you ever wondered which type of rubber you’re using and what’s the difference? Like every chemical compound, manufacturing rubber also depends on its components and number of links between atoms. In this post, we’re going to discuss neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber with numerous applications in different industries.

General Features
When neoprene is compared with natural rubber, it can be clearly noticed that the former is way more gas permeation resistant. It can also tolerate very high temperatures, up to 200 degrees F (Fahrenheit). Even when neoprene’s heated at high temperatures, it does not physically degrade. This makes it perfect for extended use in various high temperature applications.

Similarly, when neoprene is used at very low temperatures (below 0 degree Fahrenheit), it becomes very hard and stiff. It remains functional until it is used at temperatures below minus 40 degrees (F) Fahrenheit.

neoprene also works perfectly alright with many different materials. It can even be manipulated to mechanically bond with cotton and other types of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel, copper and brass. A standard bonding agent is used in this process.

neoprene also has the ability to bond and adhere to various other materials. In addition to this, it has a low oxidation rate. This makes it more resistant to both outdoor and indoor environments.

General Applications
One of the most important traits of neoprene is chemical inertness. Due to this, the material is a lot more useful in various industrial applications, including a base for adhesives and corrosion-resistant coatings. Moreover, this substance is fire-resistant, and therefore, it is also used in transformers and many different electrical applications. Since this substance is similar to soft rubber, it is also used in reinforcement and padding for fragile items.

Since neoprene has thermal and water resistance properties, it is used in diving and wet suits. This is one of the most common and important applications of neoprene. Sometimes, Nitrogen is also added to increase its insulation. Due to this, buoyancy is increased and suits need to be weighted to prevent them from pulling the diver back towards water’s surface. This substance has a lot of applications in sports.

Use of neoprene in Sports
neoprene wetsuits are able to add reinforcement or ankle support. They also guard against any abrasions. Since this substance is durable with a longer lifespan, it is used for constructing liners of shoes and other footwear.

neoprene is also used in saddle pads, cinches, bareback pads and many other forms of products used in the sporting industry. It is also used in Airsoft like a protective garment. This is because it is thick enough to protect against impact, but thin enough to feel a hit. Therefore, the impact will not break the skin.

Swords and training knives are also made from this substance for providing safety during self-defense instructions, martial arts practice, sparring and so on. Last but not the least, it is used in Olympic lifting and powerlifting equipment. Wetsuits manufactured from this substance are considered to be excellent.