Neoprene rubber is not a plastic, they have obvious differences in molecular structure, performance characteristics, production process and use, the following is the specific analysis:
Molecular structure
- Neoprene rubber: belongs to the polymer elastomer, obtained by the polymerization of chloroprene, the molecular chain has high flexibility and elasticity, the molecule contains chlorine atoms, so that there is a certain polarity interaction between the molecular chain.
- Plastic: is a kind of polymer, the molecular structure is diverse, some linear structure, some branched chain type or body structure. The rigidity of plastic molecular chains is relatively large, the interaction between molecular chains is dominated by van der Waals force, and some plastics containing special groups may have strong polarity, but the molecular structure and performance characteristics are different from that of neoprene rubber.
Performance characteristics
- Neoprene rubber: has good elasticity, flexibility, weather resistance, ozone resistance and oil resistance. Under different environmental conditions, it can maintain good physical properties and chemical stability, and can adapt to a certain degree of stretching, bending and other deformation without damage.
- Plastics: Generally have high hardness, rigidity and mechanical strength, and some plastics have good wear resistance and insulation. However, the elasticity and flexibility of plastic is relatively poor compared with neoprene rubber, and it is prone to brittle fracture or plastic deformation when it is subjected to greater external force.
Production technology
- Neoprene rubber: usually produced by emulsion polymerization, with water as the medium, the monomer is dispersed in water to form an emulsion with the help of emulsifier, and then the polymerization reaction is triggered by an initiator. In the production process, the reaction temperature, pressure, raw material ratio and other parameters need to be strictly controlled to ensure product quality and performance.
- Plastics: Various production methods, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, molding, etc. Different plastic varieties and product forms, the production process is different. For example, polyethylene plastic can be made into pipes, plates, etc., by extrusion process; Polystyrene plastics can be produced by injection molding process of various plastic products.
use
- Neoprene rubber: often used in the manufacture of rubber seals, hose, tape, wire and cable sheath, auto parts, building sealing materials, etc., can also be used to make diving suits, rubber gloves and so on. Neoprene plays an important role in applications where high elasticity, weather resistance and oil resistance are required.
- Plastics: A wide range of applications, covering packaging, construction, electronics, automobiles, home appliances and other industries. Such as plastic film for packaging, plastic bottles; Plastic pipes, door and window profiles in buildings; Plastic casing, insulating material, etc., in electronic equipment.
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