Published - 15th May 2023
Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N or NBR, is a popular elastomer that is widely used in various applications because of its oil and fuel resistance properties, as well as its high tensile strength. Nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber copolymer made of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Its physical and chemical properties depend on the composition of nitrile within the polymer, with higher nitrile content resulting in greater resistance to oils but less flexibility. Nitrile rubber is resistant to petroleum-based oils, fuels, water, alcohols, silicone greases, hydraulic fluids, and has a good balance of desirable working properties like low compression set, high abrasion resistance, and high tensile strength.
Because of these properties, nitrile rubber is used in a wide variety of applications such as O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, automotive transmission belts, hoses, V belts, synthetic leather, disposable non-latex gloves, printer’s form rollers, and cable jacketing. NBR latex can also be used in the preparation of adhesives or as a pigment binder.
So what are the advantages of using nitrile rubber? Firstly, it has excellent abrasion resistance, good rebound, tear resistance, non-polar solvent resistance, water resistance, and oil resistance. Additionally, it is cheaper than fluoroelastomers (Viton). However, nitrile rubber also has its disadvantages. It has poor ozone, sunlight, and weather resistance, limited high-temperature resistance, and poor flame resistance.
What is Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) & Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR)?
Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is a modified form of nitrile rubber. Through hydrogenation, HNBR exhibits improved resistance to heat and oxidation.
Carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) is another variant of nitrile rubber that has undergone carboxylation with acetic anhydride. This treatment enhances the resistance of XNBR to oils and fuels.
In summary, Nitrile rubber is a versatile material that offers excellent oil and fuel resistance properties, high tensile strength, and a good balance of working properties. It is widely used in various applications, especially in the sealing industry, but has its drawbacks, including poor weather and high-temperature resistance. Contact Industrial Rubber to find out if Nitrile rubber is the correct polymer for your new or existing projects.
