Rubber (chlorinated)

Description

An odorless, pale yellow resin prepared by adding up to 65% chlorine to an elastomer, such as natural rubber, Butyl rubber, or styrene-butadiene. Chlorination of rubber allowed it to cure very fast and allowed the copolymerization of natural and synthetic rubbers. Chlorinated rubbers were also harder and more durable than their non-halogenated counterparts. It was also used to produce a hard tough, glossy film that was used in the 1950s -60s for paints, varnishes, adhesives, inks and paper coatings. Chlorinated rubber is still used for waterproof paints on floors and swimming pools. It is very resistant to chemicals and moisture.

Synonyms and Related Terms

chlorinated rubber; Chloroprene; Neoprene; caucho clorado (Esp.); borracha clorada (Port.)

Examples: Parlon; Hypalon

Risks

• Nonflammable.
• Reacts violently when heated with zinc oxide.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Soluble in toluene, ethylene dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic and alcohols.
• Resistant to acids and alkalis.
• Density = 1.64 g/ml

Comparisons

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoset Resins

General Characteristics of Polymers

Resources and Citations

• R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Thomas J.S. Learner, Analysis of Modern Paints, Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 2004 Comment: p. 23