What is Nitrile / NBR Rubber?
Understanding Nitrile / NBR Rubber
So, what makes Nitrile Rubber (NBR) unique?
Nitrile rubber, often referred to as NBR, Buna-N, or acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, is a synthetic rubber copolymer that consists of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene.
This specific type of synthetic rubber is known for its remarkable resistance to oil, fuel, and various chemicals, with its properties changing according to the composition of the polymer. Generally, a higher nitrile content results in greater oil resistance but reduced flexibility in the material.
Today, nitrile is the most commonly utilized elastomer in the sealing industry. Its applications span the automotive and aeronautical fields, where it is employed in the production of hoses for fuel and oil handling, seals, grommets, and self-sealing fuel tanks as traditional rubbers are inadequate for these tasks. The temperature resilience of NBR, which ranges from -40 to 108 °C (-40 to 226 °F), makes it particularly suitable for aeronautical uses. Additionally, nitrile butadiene is utilized for molded goods, footgear, adhesives, sealants, sponges, expanded foams, and flooring mats. It is also found in items such as single-use non-latex gloves, automotive transmission belts, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, V belts, and static & dynamic hydraulic seals, along with synthetic leather and printer form rollers; moreover, NBR latex can function as an adhesive binder.
Typical applications: Aircraft fuel systems, automotive fuel systems, off-road equipment, and marine fuel systems.
This resilience also makes nitrile rubber an excellent material for disposable lab, cleaning, and examination gloves. Not only does nitrile rubber exhibit higher resistance to oils and acids than natural rubber, but it also boasts superior strength while allowing for lesser flexibility. Thus, nitrile gloves offer better puncture resistance compared to natural rubber gloves, especially when the latter degrade due to chemical exposure or ozone. Furthermore, nitrile rubber is less likely to provoke allergic reactions compared to natural rubber. Unlike polymers intended for ingestion, where small variances in chemical composition can significantly impact the body, the essential characteristics of NBR remain consistent even with minor changes in composition.
Nitrile can be specially formulated to comply with international food standards, such as FDA 21.177 and (EC): BfR XXI.
Working Temperature Range:
High: 212°F / 100°C
Low: -22°F / -30°C
Nitrile Rubber Overview
Nitrile rubber, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber, NBR, Buna-N, and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, is a synthetic compound that is often the preferred choice for products requiring petroleum (oil or gas) resistance.
This material saw a surge in popularity during World War II due to the scarcity of natural rubber resources worldwide. Variants of the same polymer emerged in different nations, with the U.S. version termed Buna-N.
In modern applications, Nitrile rubber is primarily implemented where petroleum resistance is essential. This rubber serves as a commonly used base for gaskets, O-rings, and various types of seals.
If Nitrile rubber suits your requirements, connect with Custom Rubber. Even if you're uncertain, our expert team can assist in guiding you. Contact Custom Rubber Corp. for inquiries regarding Nitrile rubber.
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Advantages of Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber’s foremost advantage lies in its petroleum resistance, but it also possesses a variety of other beneficial characteristics.
- Exceptional abrasion resistance
- Good tear resistance
- Low compression set
Disadvantages of Nitrile Rubber
While nitrile rubber excels in many areas, it isn't the best option for applications requiring prolonged exposure to ozone or heat. Its downsides include:
- Poor resistance to ozone, weather, and sunlight
- Moderate operating temperature range
- Low flame resistance
Frequently Asked Questions About Nitrile Rubber
The following are questions we frequently receive regarding Nitrile rubber's properties and applications. Custom Rubber Corp. is here to provide answers and assist you in your decision-making process.
Q: What is Nitrile rubber used for?
A: Nitrile rubber is primarily utilized in applications requiring oil or solvent resistance. Solvents are oil-based materials, such as paint thinners, turpentine, and MEK. Opt for Nitrile when your final product will encounter these or other oil-based substances.
At Custom Rubber, we have employed Nitrile rubber for creating bumper pieces that glide along a lubricated track and for seals used in underground conduits. Additionally, we’ve combined Nitrile rubber with PVC to develop robust power distribution products, like the wires illuminating construction sites.
Throughout various industries, Nitrile rubber is commonly found in latex-alternative gloves, oil-resistant footwear, flooring mats, automotive transmission belts, synthetic leather, V belts, and several adhesive applications.
Q: Is Nitrile a natural rubber?
A: No, Nitrile rubber is a synthetic material, not a natural rubber. For further insights on this topic,
Q: How long does Nitrile rubber last?
A: The lifespan of Nitrile rubber, like most rubber materials, is influenced by its formulation, storage, and application. Nitrile rubber in hostile environments may last a very short time, while rubber in a dark storage area can last significantly longer.
Q: How can I maximize the lifespan of Nitrile rubber?
A: Maintain your Nitrile rubber by avoiding exposure to ozone, heat, sunlight, and weather. When not in use, store it in an ozone-proof bag.
Q: Is Nitrile rubber hazardous?
A: Nitrile rubber isn't toxic; however, we wouldn't recommend consuming it. Like many synthetic materials, it can be formulated with only FDA-approved ingredients, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for human digestion.
Q: How can I maintain Nitrile rubber?
A: There's no effective way to moisturize Nitrile rubber. If exposed to ozone, it will inevitably dry out and crack. We recommend purchasing new parts and keeping them out of direct sunlight or switching to another rubber type for outdoor applications.
Q: Where are Nitrile rubber gloves utilized?
A: Nitrile rubber can replace natural latex for making gloves, especially for users with latex allergies. It also has significant puncture resistance compared to natural rubber, making it a preferred option in situations where gloves are prone to tearing.
Q: What distinguishes Nitrile from Neoprene rubber?
A: Both Nitrile and Neoprene rubbers are synthetic materials with good abrasion and tear resistance; however, Nitrile rubber offers superior oil resistance.
Q: What is the relationship between Buna-N and NBR?
A: Nitrile rubber, Buna-N, and NBR are interchangeable terms, referring to the same material.
Q: What differentiates HNBR from NBR?
A: Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is a version created by hydrogenating Nitrile rubber, resulting in a stronger material resistant to heat and chemicals. This variant is most commonly found in manufacturing O-rings for automobile air conditioning systems, but is also employed in other parts such as seals. HNBR typically comes at a higher price than standard Nitrile rubber.
Q: What sets XNBR apart from NBR?
A: Carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) is a variant that enhances the strength of Nitrile rubber and comes with a higher price tag. The production costs for both XNBR and HNBR are significantly greater compared to regular Nitrile rubber, and they are only necessary for specific applications.
Q: What is the average price of Nitrile rubber?
A: There isn't a fixed answer as pricing can vary due to fluctuations in the raw materials market. However, compared to other rubber types, Nitrile rubber is generally not overly expensive.
Q: Is Nitrile rubber suitable for O-rings?
A: Absolutely! Nitrile rubber is ideal for O-rings due to its application in creating seals when oil is present. O-Rings serve the purpose of fluid sealing, and Nitrile rubber offers an economical solution for this.
Q: How does Nitrile rubber compare to other rubber materials?
| MATERIAL | ABBREVIATION | VIBRATION ISOLATION | RELATIVE PRICE | TEMPERATURE RANGE | OZONE, UV RESISTANCE | OIL RESISTANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | NR | Excellent | Good | -60F to 220F | Poor | Poor |
| Butyl | IIR | Excellent | Fair | -75F to 250F | Good | Poor |
| Ethylene-Propylene | EPDM | Good | Excellent | -70F to 250F | Excellent | Poor |
| Nitrile | NBR | Good | Good | -30F to 250F | Poor | Excellent |
| Neoprene / Chloroprene | CR | Excellent | Excellent | -60F to 220F | Good | Fair |
| Silicone | VMQ | Good | Fair | -175F to 450F | Excellent | Fair |
Q: How can I purchase Nitrile rubber parts and products?
The following questions regarding Nitrile rubber applications, properties, and uses are frequently asked by our customers. Custom Rubber Corp. is here to provide answers and assist in your decision-making process. A: Nitrile rubber is primarily used in applications requiring oil or solvent resistance. Solvents are materials that are oil-based, like paint thinners, turpentine, MEK, etc. Choose Nitrile when your end product will come in contact with these or other oil-based materials. At Custom Rubber, we have used Nitrile rubber to make bumper pieces that slide along a greased track as well as nitrile rubber seals used for underground conduits. We have also blended Nitrile rubber and PVC plastic to create heavy-duty power distribution products, like the wires strung with lights used to illuminate construction sites. Throughout the industry, Nitrile rubber is often used to create latex-alternative gloves, oil-resistant footwear, floor mats, transmission belts for cars, synthetic leather, V belts and as a component of different adhesives. A: No, Nitrile rubber is not a natural rubber. It is a human-made, synthetic material. For more information on this topic, we've published an article explaining the difference between natural and synthetic rubber here. A: Nitrile rubber's lifespan, like nearly all rubber materials, depends on how it is formulated, stored, and applied. Nitrile rubber exposed to the elements can have an extremely short life whereas Nitrile rubber kept immobile in a dark storage cabinet will last the longest. A: Take good care of your Nitrile rubber by keeping it away from ozone, heat, sun, and weather. When not in use, store it in an ozone-proof bag. A: Nitrile rubber is not poisonous, but we would not recommend eating a bowl of it for breakfast. Like many synthetics, you can actually formulate Nitrile rubber with all FDA-approved ingredients, but again, that doesn’t mean it’s great for the human body to digest. A: Strictly speaking, there is no great way to moisturize Nitrile rubber. If a Nitrile product is exposed to ozone outside, it will inevitably dry and crack. Instead, buy a new part and keep it out of the sun, or use a different type of rubber if the part must stay exposed to sunlight. A: Nitrile rubber can be used in place of natural rubber latex to create rubber gloves if the user is allergic to latex. Nitrile rubber is also much more puncture-resistant than natural rubber, making it an ideal alternative in situations where rubber gloves risk tearing or breakage. A: Both Nitrile and Neoprene rubbers are synthetics with good abrasion and tear resistance. The main difference between the two is that Nitrile rubber is much more oil resistant. A: Nitrile rubber, Buna-N, and NBR are all different names for the same thing. They are used interchangeably. A: Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is made by hydrogenating Nitrile rubber. This change makes the end material stronger against heat and chemicals. It is most commonly used in the manufacturing of O-rings for your car's air conditioning system, but can be used to create other parts, like seals and membranes, that go into end products. HNBR is more expensive than regular Nitrile rubber. A: Carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) is another formulation of Nitrile rubber that also serves to strengthen the end material. It is also available at an increased cost. Production of both XNBR and HNBR are significantly more expensive than regular Nitrile rubber and are only necessary in limited applications. Not sure which formulation is best for you? We can help you out. Contact Custom Rubber Corp. here. A: There is no exact answer to this question as the price depends on the raw materials market, which is constantly fluctuating. But in comparison to other types of rubber, the price of Nitrile rubber is not overly expensive. A: Yes! Nitrile rubber is good for O-rings because its ideal application is in creating a seal when oil is present. O-Rings are used for fluid sealing. Nitrile rubber provides a cost-effective way to create these seals.
The Custom Rubber Corp. team has extensive experience in helping customers formulate Nitrile-based rubber for their application and then designing parts that are manufacturable while meeting customer needs.
Is Nitrile rubber right for your application? Contact the Custom Rubber Corp. team today.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Nitrile rubber NBR. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.