Neoprene is a synthetic rubber produced by polymerizing chloroprene. It exhibits good chemical stability and flexibility over a wide temperature range. It is used in many applications such as laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, electrical insulation, and automotive fan belts. Neoprene is produced via free radical emulsion polymerization of chloroprene, which is initiated using potassium persulfate and can be produced as either closed cell or open cell forms. It was invented in 1930 by DuPont scientists and is used today due to its resistance to degradation, making it suitable for applications like gaskets, hoses, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

2. INTRODUCTION
 Neoprene or poly chloroprene is a family of
synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of
chloroprene.
 Neoprene exhibits good chemical stability and
maintains flexibility over a wide temperature
range.
 It is used in wide variety of applications , such
as laptop sleeves , orthopedic braces , electrical
insulation and automotive fan belts.

3. PRODUCTION
 Neoprene is produced by free radical
polymerization of chloroprene.
 In commercial production ,this polymer is
prepared by free radical emulsion
polymerization.

4. PRODUCTION
 Polymerization is initiated by using potassium
per sulfate.
 Neoprene can be produced either in closed cell or
open cell form.
 The closed cell form is water proof ,less
compatible and more expensive.
 The open cell form can be breathable

5. HISTORY
 Neoprene was invented by DuPont scientists on
April 17, 1930 after Dr Elmer K.
Bolton of DuPont attended a lecture
by Fr Julius Arthur Nieuwland, a professor
of chemistry at the University of Notre Dame.
 Nieuwland's research was focused
on acetylene chemistry and during the course of
his work he produced di vinyl acetylene, a jelly
that firms into an elastic compound similar to
rubber when passed over sulfur dichloride.

6. HISTORY
 After DuPont purchased the patent rights
from the university, Wallace Carothers of
DuPont took over commercial development of
Nieuwland's discovery in collaboration with
Nieuwland himself.
 Arnold Collins at DuPont focused on mono
vinyl acetylene and reacted the substance
with hydrogen chloride gas,
manufacturing chloroprene.[5]

7. APPLICATIONS
 Neoprene resists degradation more than natural or
synthetic rubber.
 This relative inertness makes it well suited for
demanding applications such as gaskets, hoses,
and corrosion-resistant coatings.
 It can be used as a base for adhesives, noise
isolation in power transformer installations,
and as padding in external metal cases to
protect the contents while allowing a snug fit.

8. APPLICATIONS
IN AQUATICS:
 Neoprene is commonly used as a material for fly
fishing waders, as it provides excellent insulation
against cold.
 Neoprene waders are usually about 5 mm thick,
and in the medium price range as compared to
cheaper materials such as nylon and rubber.
 However, neoprene is less expensive than
breathable fabrics. A foamed neoprene containing
gas cells is used as an insulation material, most
notably in wetsuits.

9. APPLICATIONS
IN SPORTS:
 In the equestrian world, it is used in cinches, saddle
pads, bareback pads, and many other applications in
all disciplines.
 It is often used in Air soft as a protective garment, as
it is thin enough to feel the hit, but thick enough to
reduce the impact velocity, thus avoiding breakage of
the skin by the pellet.
 Training knives and swords are made of Neoprene for
safe self-defense instructions, practice, sparring, and
martial arts demonstrations.

10. THANK YOU