What is neoprene in wetsuits?

What is neoprene? When we talk about neoprene, we usually mean the wetsuit we wear during canyoning, surfing, diving, or other water sports. This garment owes its name to the material from which it is made: neoprene.

BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS NEOPRENE?

Neoprene, or polychloroprene, is a synthetic, spongy material, a microcellular rubber produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. It was invented in 1930 by a scientist at DuPont and was the first synthetic rubber to be produced on an industrial scale.

What is neoprene in wetsuits?

Neoprene resembles natural rubber, but is lighter, more flexible, and water-repellent, and furthermore, has excellent thermal and insulating properties. It acts as a barrier between different environments, such as between cold and heat, or between air and water. Moreover, thanks to its spongy structure, it offers protection against vibrations and shocks. Neoprene is therefore used not only in water sports, but also in sectors such as the medical, automotive, construction, and electronics industries.

One of the most recent innovations is pre-tensioned neoprene, also known as "broken-cell neoprene" or "shredded neoprene." Pre-tensioned neoprene is very elastic and strong, but heavier.

Another material is SBR, which at first glance does not differ much from neoprene. It has a different chemical composition than neoprene, making it more economical, but also of lower quality. However, for certain applications, this material is more than sufficient: material protection, flooring, etc.

What is neoprene in a canyoning suit?

The term "neoprene" refers only to the rubbery part of the fabric from which the suits are made. To adapt this neoprene to the requirements of various water sports, it is finished with an outer and inner lining (laminate) to provide comfort or to protect the rubber from wear.
On the one hand, there are different types of neoprene foam that, consequently, offer different technical properties: density, warmth, elasticity, and compressibility. It can even be perforated for breathability. Moreover, each type of foam is available in different thicknesses: 3 mm, 5 mm, etc. When we talk about the thickness of neoprene, we mean only the foam itself, excluding the lining.

In addition, there is also a wide range of surface finishes available for neoprene, depending on the desired properties. For example:

Rubber finishes: open cell, smooth, ribbed…
Fabric finishes (laminates): nylon, polyester, lycra, terry cloth, more elastic fabrics such as Mflex or Xtend, more resistant fabrics such as Supratex or Kevlar… They are also available in a wide range of colors, although black is the most common color in the neoprene world.

Neoprene is not dangerous to consumers of products made from this material. Although it is uncommon, some people may develop a hypersensitivity to neoprene, and it can cause an allergic reaction upon contact with the skin.

Neoprene is primarily produced in China, Taiwan, Japan, and so on. The major instability in international markets is having an unprecedented impact. Can you imagine what consequences this could have for us?

It appears that the market situation will worsen in the coming years and prices will continue to rise. Moreover, product shortages may arise in Europe.

Therefore, repair, while important before, is now absolutely essential. Be sure to perform proper maintenance in a timely manner to prevent premature wear of your wetsuit and maximize its lifespan.

Based on an article by www.reparaciondeneoprenos.es

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What is neoprene in wetsuits?

BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS NEOPRENE?