NBR

Material Type

Rubber

Material Full Name

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber

Process Compatibility

Compression Molding, Injection Molding

NBR Description

Price

$$$$$

Strength

Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Weakness

Limited resistance to ozone, weathering, and sunlight, poor performance at low temperatures.

Common Application

Automotive seals, gaskets, O-rings, and hoses, gloves, footwear, and seals for plumbing.

NBR Properties

NBR stands for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber polymer known for its excellent oil and fuel resistance, along with a wide range of other desirable properties. NBR is derived from the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers. It is often referred to as nitrile rubber.

Properties at a Glance

*Pease note: The following material properties are for reference only. Actual values may vary depending on the selected material brand.

Property	Metric	English
Density	0.8-1.2 g/cm³	50-75 lb/ft³
Shore Hardness A	20-95	20-95
Tensile Strength	1.38-24.13 MPA	200-3500PSI
Elongation at Break	350-650%	350-650%
Min Temp.	-56~-18°C	-70~ -20º F
Max Temp.	80°C~105°C	180º~ 220º F

Chemical Properties

Resistance to oils and fuels
Good resistance to chemicals such as acids and bases.
Limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons.

How to Improve NBR Properties

Additives play a crucial role in enhancing NBR's properties, which can provide additional functionalities and improve specific characteristics. Here's how additives can be used:

Plasticizers: These additives increase the flexibility and softness of NBR, making it easier to process. Plasticizers also help lower the polymer's glass transition temperature.
Antioxidants: Added to NBR formulations to prevent premature aging and degradation, thereby extending the service life of NBR products.
Fillers: Fillers such as carbon black, silica, and calcium carbonate are commonly used to reinforce NBR. These fillers enhance tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance.
Processing Aids: These additives make nitrile material easier to process and have higher productivity during manufacturing.

When selecting additives to improve, several key considerations should be considered such as chemical compatibility, functional compatibility, physical form, synergistic effects, etc.

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FAQs of NBR Materials

View our FAQ center for more questions.

Can NBR be used in food contact applications?

NBR is not typically recommended for direct food contact applications due to potential concerns about the leaching of chemicals and additives. However, specialized grades of NBR that meet specific regulatory requirements may be suitable for certain indirect food contact applications, such as gaskets and seals in food processing equipment.

Is NBR suitable for harsh environmental conditions?

Nitrile rubber is highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to chemicals and oils. Its ability to resist wear and tear makes it suitable for use in applications that require long-term performance.

Are there any health or safety concerns associated with NBR use?

While NBR is considered relatively safe for most industrial and commercial applications, there may be concerns related to potential exposure to hazardous chemicals during NBR manufacturing processes or when handling NBR-containing products.

Can NBR be recycled or disposed of sustainably?

NBR is generally not biodegradable and can be challenging to recycle due to its complex chemical structure and the presence of additives. However, some efforts are being made to develop recycling processes for NBR waste, such as mechanical and chemical recycling methods.