NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerizing acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers. It is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers in industry, largely because of its outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, and many hydrocarbon-based chemicals.
Key Properties of NBR
- Excellent resistance to oil and fuel
- Good mechanical strength and abrasion resistance
- Available across a wide hardness range (Shore A 40-95)
- Higher acrylonitrile content improves oil resistance but reduces low-temperature flexibility
Temperature and Environmental Resistance
NBR can generally be used safely between -30°C and +100°C. Its resistance to ozone, weathering, and UV exposure is lower than materials like EPDM, so outdoor applications may require additional protective measures or an alternative material choice.
Typical Applications
- Automotive fuel and oil lines, gaskets
- O-rings and sealing elements in hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Industrial oil-resistant hoses
- Seals and gasketing elements in the oil and gas sector
How NBR Differs from Other Rubbers
While EPDM excels in water and ozone resistance, NBR performs far better against oil and fuel. The environmental conditions a part will face in service are therefore the deciding factor in choosing the right material. Some specialized formulations can improve NBR’s ozone resistance, though this typically increases cost.
Alpin Rubber works with a wide range of rubber raw materials, including NBR, identifying the material and formulation best suited to each customer’s application conditions for custom rubber part production.