Effects of Natural Ageing on the Dimensional, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Diving Neoprene
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the effects of natural ageing on thickness, flexibility, elongation, and thermal resistance of neoprene used in wetsuits. A natural ageing protocol was developed to simulate recreational diving conditions under controlled exposure. Thirty-three neoprene specimens representing 11 material types and three thickness categories were repeatedly immersed in seawater at 15 m depth for 45 min per cycle. Fifty immersion, cleaning, and drying cycles were performed, corresponding to 37.5 h of underwater exposure. Thickness decreased in the majority of samples (p = 0.00043; Cohen’s d = 0.64), while pre- and post-ageing values remained very strongly correlated (r = 0.9987). Flexibility decreased significantly (p = 0.000084; Cohen’s d = −0.74). Thermal resistance declined significantly (p = 0.00029; Cohen’s d = 0.66), with greater losses observed in high-performance neoprene. Elongation showed the greatest ageing-related change, decreasing by approximately 25% (p < 0.000001; Cohen’s d = 1.32). Thermal resistance was strongly associated with neoprene thickness, whereas thermal-resistance loss was not correlated with thickness reduction (r = −0.085). Overall, natural ageing affected dimensional, mechanical, and thermal properties through multiple degradation processes, highlighting the importance of long-term performance stability in neoprene material selection and wetsuit design.
Source: Polymers
Institution: University of Zagreb
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Funders: European Commission, NextGenerationEU
OpenAlex ID: W7223187331