55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene
55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene is a Neoprene (CR) blend rubber sheet formulated as an odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic material with a natural resistance to bacterial growth. Developed as a synthetic alternative to natural rubber, it provides moderate oil resistance, good abrasion resistance, and compliance with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for use in food processing and related regulated environments.
Key Properties
- Durometer, Shore “A”: 55 ±5 — ASTM D2240
- Tensile Strength, psi: 1200 min. — ASTM D412
- Elongation, %: 300 min. — ASTM D412
- Compression Set, 22 hrs @ 212°F: 80% max. — ASTM D395B
- Specific Gravity, g/cc: 1.55 — —
Service Temperature: -20°F to +190°F
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Polymer | Neoprene (CR) Blend | — |
| Color | White | — |
| Finish | Smooth | — |
| Durometer, Shore “A” | 55 ±5 | ASTM D2240 |
| Tensile Strength, psi | 1200 min. | ASTM D412 |
| Ultimate Elongation, % | 300 min. | ASTM D412 |
| Compression Set, 22 hrs @ 212°F | 80% max. | ASTM D395B |
| Specific Gravity, g/cc | 1.55 | — |
| Service Temperature | -20°F to +190°F | — |
Aging & Fluid Resistance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Hardness Change After Heat Aging, 70 hrs @ 212°F | ±15 points max. | ASTM D573 |
| Tensile Change After Heat Aging, 70 hrs @ 212°F | ±30% max. | ASTM D573 |
| Elongation Change After Heat Aging, 70 hrs @ 212°F | -50% max. | ASTM D573 |
| Fluid Resistance Oil #3, 70 hrs @ 212°F | 120% max. | ASTM D471 |
Compliance
- FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 — Pass
- ASTM D2000: 1BC612Z1 — Rated
- General gaskets, counter tops, non-slip pads, and skirting for food processing environments
- Sealing and surface applications in butcher shops, commercial kitchens, and grocery stores
- Pharmaceutical processing gaskets and sealing components
- Hospital and healthcare facility surface and gasketing applications
- Industrial plant and cosmetics industry sealing in environments requiring FDA-compliant materials
Common industries: Food processing, food service, pharmaceutical processing, healthcare, commercial kitchens, industrial manufacturing.
55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene is a white, smooth-finish Neoprene (CR) blend sheet engineered for food processing and regulated commercial environments where FDA compliance, bacterial resistance, and chemical inertness are required.
Polychloroprene is one of the earliest synthetic elastomers, historically developed as a natural rubber alternative with improved resistance to oils, greases, abrasion, and aging — properties that make it well suited to the demanding surfaces and cleaning protocols of food service and processing facilities.
The material is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic in its cured form, and displays a natural resistance to bacterial growth that supports hygienic surface and gasketing applications.
55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene is rated to ASTM D2000: 1BC612Z1 and passes FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. It delivers a minimum tensile strength of 1,200 psi and minimum elongation of 300%, with controlled heat aging performance: hardness change ±15 points max., tensile change ±30% max., and elongation change -50% max. after 70 hours at 212°F per ASTM D573.
Fluid resistance in ASTM Oil #3 is 120% max. volume swell after 70 hours at 212°F per ASTM D471. Available in standard thicknesses of 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, and 1/4″ in a white smooth finish.
Compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Rated to ASTM D2000: 1BC612Z1.
What makes 55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene suitable for food processing environments?
55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene passes FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic, and displays a natural resistance to bacterial growth. These properties make it appropriate for direct and indirect food-contact applications including gaskets, counter surfaces, non-slip pads, and skirting in food processing, food service, and related regulated environments.
What is polychloroprene (Neoprene), and why is it used in food and industrial applications?
Polychloroprene — commonly known as Neoprene — is one of the earliest synthetic rubber compounds, developed as an alternative to natural rubber with improved resistance to oils, greases, abrasion, and environmental aging. In food and industrial applications, its combination of moderate oil resistance, good abrasion durability, and inherent bacterial resistance makes it a practical and cost-effective choice for surfaces and sealing components that must withstand repeated cleaning and exposure to oily or greasy food products.
What is the operating temperature range for 55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene?
-20°F to +190°F, as listed on the TDS.
How does 55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene perform in oil and fluid exposure?
The material is rated for moderate resistance to oily and greasy food products. In ASTM D471 testing with Oil #3 at 70 hours/212°F, volume swell is controlled to 120% maximum. This level of fluid resistance is appropriate for incidental oil and grease contact in food processing environments, though it is not suited for direct immersion in petroleum-based industrial fluids.
How should 55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene be specified?
Specify 55 Durometer FDA Grade Industrial Polychloroprene, thickness (1/16", 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4"), compliance requirement (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600), dimensional tolerances, and finished format.
