A balanced, general-purpose elastomer
A good weather/ozone resistance and refrigerant/ammonia compatibility. Not for strong solvents or aromatics.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Also called | CR, Polychloroprene, Neoprene® |
| Typical service temp | –40°F to +212°F (short-term by compound up to ~250°F) |
| Hardness range | 40–90 Shore A (common: 60–70A) |
| Cure systems | Metal-oxide/accelerator system (standard) |
| Strengths | Ozone/UV/weathering, refrigerants & ammonia, water, silicone oils/greases, high-aniline mineral oils |
| Limitations | Aromatic/chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones/esters/ethers, strong oxidizing acids |
| Actual limits vary by compound and media—verify in your service conditions. | |
BEST FOR
- ✔ Refrigerants and ammonia service
- ✔ Outdoor exposure (good ozone/UV/weathering)
- ✔ Water and water-based fluids (to ~212°F)
- ✔ Contact with silicone oils/greases; high-aniline mineral oils
Not For
- ✘ Aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons
- ✘ Ketones, esters, ethers
- ✘ Strong oxidizing acids
- ✘ Long-term hot oil/fuel service (choose NBR/HNBR/FKM instead)
Popular CR Options
- General-purpose CR 70A – 90A (black)
- Refrigerant-focused compounds
Engineering Notes
- Polychloroprene provides a balanced property set: fair-good oil resistance with good aging/ozone performance.
- Compared with NBR: better weathering, typically lower oil/fuel resistance.
- Steam resistance is limited; treat as water service unless the compound is specifically rated.
- Applications:
- Refrigeration & HVAC • Compressors • General industrial seals • Outdoor enclosures • Marine/utility equipment.