Rubber Tubing, Neoprene

Quick Answer: The Rubber Tubing, Neoprene is flexible tubing made from neoprene (polychloroprene) synthetic rubber. Neoprene tubing carries water, air and mildly oily fluids where ozone, sunlight or grease would soon crack natural rubber tubing.

Choosing Neoprene for a Line

Most lab tubing problems are not bursts but slow ageing: the outer surface crazes near motors or windows, and the ends split where the tube is stretched over a nozzle. Neoprene resists ozone and ultraviolet much better than natural rubber, so it tends to stay serviceable longer on lines that run past pumps, stirrer motors or sunny benches.

Its chemical profile sits in the middle ground. Neoprene handles water, dilute acids and alkalis, and moderate contact with oils and greases, but aromatic and chlorinated solvents, ketones and strong oxidising acids attack it. For fuels and heavier oils, nitrile rubber tubing is the usual choice; for high purity, heat and sterilisation, platinum cured silicone tubing is preferred.

Neoprene is also somewhat less stretchy than natural rubber, so the bore should be matched closely to the nozzle rather than forced over a much larger one.

Care & Handling

• Cut ends square with a sharp blade so the tubing seals evenly on a nozzle.
• Flush out oily residues with warm detergent solution rather than solvents.
• Avoid tight kinks; use a wider bend or a connector at corners.
• Replace sections that have swollen, softened or cracked.

Specifications

Applications

• Cooling-water lines to condensers on benches near windows or motors
• Air lines for aquarium pumps and aeration demonstrations
• Carrying lubricating oils or greasy wash water in workshop and engineering labs
• Outdoor or field sampling set-ups where tubing stays in sunlight

Why Choose LabEquip

Neoprene tubing is ordered by labs and workshops that found natural rubber lines cracking too quickly, and by engineering departments handling oils. LabEquip lists it in General Lab Products; give the bore, length and fluid on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does neoprene tubing differ from natural rubber tubing?

Neoprene resists ozone, sunlight and oils much better, so it ages more slowly on benches near motors or windows. Natural rubber is more elastic and grips nozzles readily on simple water lines.

Which organic solvents does neoprene tolerate?

Few, and only for brief contact. Aromatic and chlorinated solvents and ketones such as acetone swell it. Use PTFE or another solvent-resistant tubing for regular solvent transfer.

Is neoprene suitable for condenser cooling water?

Yes. Water at the temperatures used for condenser cooling is well within the usual range for neoprene, and its ageing resistance helps on lines left connected at a bench.

Can neoprene be autoclaved?

Some grades tolerate limited steam sterilisation, but neoprene is not usually chosen for it. For regular autoclaving, silicone tubing is the more suitable material.

Why is my tubing slipping off the condenser nozzle?

The bore may be too large, the rubber may have hardened, or water pressure may be pushing it off. Use a closer bore, cut back any hardened end and add a hose clip.

Is neoprene tubing flame resistant?

Neoprene contains chlorine and generally resists burning better than natural rubber, but it still burns and gives off harmful fumes. Keep all rubber tubing away from flames and hot surfaces.

Last Updated: September 2026