Difference Between Urethane & Neoprene Rubber

Urethane, or as it is commonly known as ethyl carbamate in chemistry, is found naturally in many food products like bread, soy milk, yogurt, olives and whiskey. But neoprene does not occur naturally. Instead, it can only be manufactured in factories and laboratories. Therefore, the important distinction between the two rubber kinds is the fact that one occurs naturally while the other is always synthesized.

Difference in Properties

• Urethane rubber and neoprene rubber are both widely used today. While the former is used predominantly in industries, the latter is used for commercial purposes. Both urethane and neoprene rubber are highly abrasion resistant and also chemical resistant. But the difference in property lies in the flexibility factor. Urethane is a highly flexible and therefore is used to make molds for replicating sculptures and other items in industries. Neoprene on the other hand does not stretch or bend as well.

Use in Molds

• In comparison to neoprene, urethane rubber has a higher tear strength, which makes it perfect for casting into molds. The tear strength of a material gives an idea about its flexibility and tensile properties. The higher the tensile property of a material, higher is the moldability factor. This is probably the major difference between the two types of rubber. Neoprene is not used for making molds.

Use in Diving Apparatus

• Neoprene is used as a waterproofing material in making diving suits and boats. Neoprene is an excellent water repellent material and is buoyant. This is why it is preferred for underwater items. Urethane cannot be used for these applications regardless of its low cost because it does not insulate the wearer from water nor temperature fluctuations. In fact, if a diving suit is made from urethane then it would actually dissolve into water because urethane is easily soluble in water.

Difference in Application

• Neoprene is used to make abrasion resistant protections such as gloves and sheaths. Neoprene is preferred over urethane because of its higher abrasion resisting capacity. Urethane is also used for the same purpose but only in cases that require a high stretching capacity. Neoprene is used in making conveyor belts, seals and hoses owing to its low flexibility. These items must be rigid and capable of withstanding high shearing forces. Unfortunately, urethane is not built for such applications even though using it would mean reducing the cost of production.

Facts

• Urethane and neoprene are put to distinct uses. Each use demonstrates the differences in the properties and capabilities of both. Urethane is primarily used in mold making while neoprene is used for wet suits and protective covers. The difference in their applications suggests the difference in their properties clearly. To summarize, urethane is a highly flexible, water soluble and cheap rubber used in industries whereas neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is highly water proof and has low flexibility. Where neoprene is used, urethane cannot be and vice versa.