Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N or NBR (acronym for nitrile butadiene rubber), is a versatile synthetic elastomer renowned for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals. It is derived from the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene, resulting in a material with outstanding mechanical properties and high tensile strength. Nitrile rubber offers exceptional durability and resilience, making it a popular choice in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
One of the key advantages of nitrile rubber is its remarkable resistance to oil and fuel. It can withstand exposure to a wide range of petroleum-based substances, including gasoline, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluids, and lubricating oils, without experiencing significant degradation or swelling. This property makes nitrile rubber an ideal material for gaskets, seals, and O-rings used in automotive engines, fuel systems, and industrial machinery, where resistance to oil is crucial.
Furthermore, nitrile rubber exhibits excellent chemical resistance, making it suitable for applications where contact with various chemicals is inevitable. It can withstand exposure to acids, alkalis, solvents, and many other aggressive substances, making it a reliable choice for sealing applications in chemical processing plants, laboratories, and other environments where chemical resistance is paramount. Its resilience and resistance to abrasion further contribute to its durability, making it a dependable option for demanding industrial applications.
In summary, nitrile rubber is a versatile elastomer known for its exceptional resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals. Its durability, mechanical properties, and resistance to abrasion make it an excellent choice for applications in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and chemical industries. Whether it’s sealing solutions, gaskets, O-rings, or other critical components, nitrile rubber proves to be a reliable material that can withstand demanding environments and provide long-lasting performance.
The polymer of choice for applications needing oil and solvent resistance is nitrile rubber (NBR). A wide range of service temperatures, excellent resistance to petroleum-based hydraulic fluids, very good resistance to alkalis and acids, and very good resistance to hydrocarbon solvents are all characteristics of nitrile.
Common Name:
Nitrile, Buna-N, NBR
Chemical Name:
Acrylonitrile-butadiene
Generally Resistant To:
Gases, Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, Oils and Fuels
Generally Attacked By:
Ketones, Ozone, Sunlight, Aromatic Oil, Flame, Weather
ASTM D 2000 / SAE J200 Classification:
BF, BG, BK, CH
MIL-R-3065 / SAE J-14 / MIL-STD-417 Classification:
SB
ASTM D-1418 Designation:
NBR
Elongation:
400% to 600%
Hardness Range (Durometer Shore A):
35 to 90
Compression Set:
Good
Rebound Rating:
Good
Flex Cracking Resistance:
Good
Abrasion Resistance:
Good to Excellent
Tear Resistance:
Good
Impact Resistance:
Fair to Good
Flame Resistance:
Poor
Minimum Service Temperature:
-30°F to -70°F
Maximum Service Temperature:
+220 to +280°F
Recommended Shelf Life:
5 to 10 years
Weather Resistance:
Poor
Sunlight Resistance:
Poor
Ozone Resistance:
Poor
Oxidization Resistance:
Good
Water Resistance:
Good to Excellent
Steam Resistance:
Fair
Gas Permeability:
Fair to Good
Radiation Resistance:
Good, 1 x 105 Ga Gy
Fair, 6 x 105 Ga Gy
Acetone:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Amonium Hydroxide:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Carbon Dioxide:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Chlorine:
DRY: – – –
WET: – – –
Fluorine (Liquid):
– – –
Fuel Oil:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Gasoline:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Hydrochloric Acid 37%:
HOT:NOT RECOMMENDED
COLD: Minor to Moderate Effect
Hydrochloric Acid Concentrate 37%:
HOT: NOT RECOMMENDED
COLD: NOT RECOMMENDED
Kerosene:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Methyl Ethyl Ketone:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Mineral Oil:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Naptha:
Moderate to Severe Effect
Natural Gas:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Nitric Acid:
Concentrate: NOT RECOMMENDED
Dillute: NOT RECOMMENDED
Red Fuming: NOT RECOMMENDED
Petroleum:
Below 250: RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Above 250: Moderate to Severe Effect
Phosphoric Acid:
20%: Minor to Moderate Effect
45%: NOT RECOMMENDED
Propane:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Skydrol:
Skydrol 500: NOT RECOMMENDED
Skydrol 7000: NOT RECOMMENDED
Sodium Hydroxide:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Sulfuric Acid:
Concentrate: NOT RECOMMENDED
Dillute: NOT RECOMMENDED
20% Oleum: NOT RECOMMENDED
Toluene:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Transformer Oil:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Vinegar:
Minor to Moderate Effect
- Depending on the storage conditions, the actual shelf life could change significantly.
- Store at or below 75 °F in a cool, dry area.
- Keep clear from open flames or direct heat.
- Stay away from contact with any liquids or solvents.
- Store away from direct sunlight.
- Keep goods sealed or wrapped to reduce moisture absorption.
- Keep in a relaxed state free of tension, compression, or other deformation when storing.
For additional information on how to keep your rubber items appropriately, see Rubber Storage Conditions.