A synthetic rubber material known for its resistance to oil, heat, and weathering, commonly used in wetsuits and gaskets.
From Greek 'neos' (new) and the chemical suffix '-prene' referring to its polymer structure. Developed by DuPont in 1930 as one of the first successful synthetic rubbers, originally marketed under the trade name 'DuPrene'.
Neoprene was accidentally discovered while researchers were trying to make synthetic rubber from acetylene. Its unique property of maintaining flexibility across extreme temperatures made it invaluable during WWII when natural rubber supplies were cut off, literally helping win the war through better gaskets and seals.
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