Neoprene and polyethylene gaskets have different uses due to their ability to withstand different temperatures and pressures. Neoprene is used in high-temperature situations while polyethylene is used in lower temperatures and can provide a seal that can be broken and restored.
Neoprene and polyethylene gaskets share many similarities, but each has its place in the hierarchical order of functioning components. A neoprene gasket will work well in large engines, such as cars, trucks, boats and airplanes. All of these situations would require a gasket capable of withstanding high temperatures and great pressure. A polyethylene gasket works well for sealing doors on appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, as a sealing liner around doors and windows, and as a gasket on a lid or jar.
A creation of the DuPont Corporation, neoprene is part of the polychloroprene group of man-made rubber compounds. It is able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and is often used in the manufacture of wetsuits, electrical insulation, automotive hoses and belts, and gaskets.
Polyethylene is also an artificial compound and belongs to the family of polymers. Created through the polymerization of ethene, a simple alkyne, polyethylene was first produced by accident during an experiment. The resulting waxy compound quickly demonstrated its ability to be molded into useful products that would withstand high temperatures well. Some sources cite that up to 60 million tons of polyethylene is produced each year and is used for all kinds of products, from resin furniture to refrigerator door seals.
When comparing neoprene and polyethylene gaskets, it’s important to note that both withstand a lot of heat. Along with temperature factors, however, any proper evaluation of these seals must also take into account factors such as operating pressure and shielding. The underlying purpose of gaskets is to prevent fluid or gas leaks between the surfaces they meet.
Due to the increased resistance to heat, neoprene gaskets are typically used in situations where temperatures will be high for extended periods of time. Polyethylene gaskets, on the other hand, work very well in situations where temperatures will be consistently lower. This places the use of polyethylene in the same category as polypropylene gaskets, which require a lot of heat to produce the material and will perform quite well in low to moderate temperatures.
A crucial difference between neoprene and polyethylene gaskets is that neoprene is meant to provide a more or less permanent seal, whereas polyethylene provides a seal that can be broken and then restored. Both materials play an important role in the home, workplace and in the manufacture of many of the products people use every day, but they are not interchangeable in all situations.
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