In order to understand the differences between neoprene and polyethylene gaskets, a good place to begin is with information about neoprene and polyethylene in general. Here is some background on these two substances, and how each one can be used to create neoprene and polyethylene gaskets that are suited for similar but different situations.

Neoprene is a material that is the creation of the DuPont Corporation. As part of the polychloroprene group of artificial rubber compounds, neoprene first carried the name of duprene and was touted to be the best and final when it comes to rubber synthetics. Able to withstand a wide range of temperatures, neoprene is often used in the production of wetsuits, electrical insulation, car hoses and belts, and gaskets.

Polyethylene is also an artificial compound, and is part of the polymer family. Created through the polymerization of ethene, a simple alkine, polyethylene made its first appearance in Germany during the year 1898. As is true of many developments, this one was the result of an accident during an experiment. However, the resulting waxy compound quickly demonstrated its ability to be molded into useful products that would hold up well in high temperatures. By 1933, the process for creating polyethylene was developed to allow for mass production. Some sources cite that as much as sixty million tons of polyethylene is produced annually and used for all sorts of products, ranging from resin furniture to gaskets for refrigerator doors.

When comparing neoprene and polyethylene gaskets, it is important to note that both will stand up to a lot of heat. However, along with temperature factors, any proper evaluation of neoprene and polyethylene gaskets must also address such factors as operating pressure and shielding. The underlying purpose of gaskets is to prevent fluid or gas leaks between to surfaces that meet.

Because of the superior resistance to heat, the use of neoprene gaskets in situations where temperatures will be high for extended periods is desirable. Polyethylene gaskets by contrast work very well in situations where the 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 work quite well in low to moderate temperatures.

Neoprene and polyethylene gaskets each have their own place in the pecking order of working components. A neoprene gasket will work well in large engines, such as for cars, trucks, boats and airplanes. All these situations would require a gasket that could stand up to high temperatures as well as a great deal of pressure. A polyethylene gasket works well for sealing doors on appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, as a sealing lining around doors and windows, and as a seal on a lid or jar.

One crucial difference between neoprene and polyethylene gaskets is that neoprene is meant to provide a more or less permanent seal, while polyethylene provides a seal that can be broken and then be reestablished. Both neoprene and polyethylene gaskets play important roles in the home, the workplace, and in the production of many of the products we use every day. However, neoprene and polyethylene gaskets should not be thought of as interchangeable in all situations.