Which Properties of Neoprene Make it a Good Choice For Gaskets?

Neoprene is a versatile material used across a wide range of industries and applications. As a cost-effective and reliable gasket material, neoprene offers a unique balance of performance, resilience, and environmental resistance.

Here’s an overview of the key properties that make it a strong choice for gasket applications.

Solid Neoprene vs. Neoprene Sponge

The first order of business when understanding Neoprene and its applications is knowing the differences between between solid neoprene and neoprene sponge.

Solid neoprene is dense and compact making it more durable and tear-resistant than neoprene sponge, perfect for high-wear applications where strength and resilience are required.

Neoprene sponge is a foam-like version of neoprene – and it’s our specialty type here at SRP.

Neoprene sponge is much softer than solid and easily compressible, making it a perfect option for sealing applications. Neoprene sponge also excels at vibration and sound insulation.

Whether a project calls for solid neoprene or neoprene sponge, one of the biggest advantages is the material’s natural resistance to a wide variety of environmental conditions that the gasket may be exposed to.

Both exhibit similar properties with only slight variations, which we will explore below.

Weather & UV resistance

Neoprene is extremely suitable for outdoor environments due to the material’s low oxidation rate. This means, of course, that water and other non-toxic liquids have very little effect on the material’s degradation in the long run.

In addition to water resistance, neoprene is also a highly-rated material in its defense against sunlight and UV damage.

Most grades of neoprene perform reliably between -20°F and 200°F, with some specialty formulations tolerating short-term exposure up to 275°F.

While it is best to not push the material to its extremes, this temperature range shows that neoprene is an extremely versatile material for nearly any outdoor condition imaginable.

Compression and sealing performance

Neoprene sponge is soft and compressible, ideal for sealing, cushioning, and insulating applications — but solid neoprene provides superior tear resistance and durability for high-impact environments.

Neoprene sponge compresses easily to create tight seals, while both sponge and solid grades offer low compression set — meaning they recover well and maintain sealing integrity over time.

Solid neoprene resists compression more than neoprene sponge, which conforms more easily to surfaces for effective sealing.

Chemical and oil resistance

Neoprene naturally resists petroleum-based substances including oils and greases. It also has moderate resistance to some acids and bases, but it’s best to test for compatibility with harsh or highly concentrated chemicals

Cushioning and vibration control

The material can easily be customized to fit perfectly between components, providing a reliable but flexible seal.

Neoprene is available in a range of hardness levels, typically between 40 and 80 Shore A on the durometer scale. Softer grades are ideal for conformability and sealing, while harder grades provide better structural support and durability.

When Neoprene isn’t the best gasket material?

While neoprene offers great all-around performance, it may not be the best choice in environments involving high concentrations of corrosive chemicals or extreme heat. In those cases, materials like EPDM or silicone may provide better performance.

SRP is your premier resource for custom Neoprene gaskets

Neoprene is a great option for gaskets due to its multiple resistances, the cushioning and protection it provides, the lightweight properties, and ease of use and installation.

At SRP, we custom design gaskets and seals using a variety of materials for customers in many industries. We’re proud to say we’ve been serving our customers for more than 70 years. We work with a variety of industries: electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, HVAC, lighting, and more.

Our dedicated team of material specialists is ready to assist you with your next project and provide you with the expertise and quality materials for parts and components that meet your exact specifications.

SRP is also a 3M™ Preferred Converter. When you’re looking for the best peel-and-stick backing for your custom die-cut neoprene gasket, our unmatched technical expertise will guide you to the best choice.