Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

Enhanced Oil and Temperature Resistant Elastomer

HNBR is an improved version of nitrile rubber, having undergone a hydrogenation process to increase its thermal stability and oxidation resistance. This gives HNBR an edge, especially in demanding conditions. It retains its oil resistance, and its temperature resistance is significantly enhanced.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) is a highly durable synthetic elastomer widely used in demanding industrial applications. Known for its exceptional resistance to heat, oil, and chemicals, HNBR has become a key material for automotive, oil & gas, and industrial sealing systems. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore everything you need to know about HNBR, including its advantages, industry applications, and how to choose the right grade for your needs.

What is Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)?

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) is a hydrogenated form of nitrile rubber (NBR). Through hydrogenation, the unsaturated bonds in the NBR polymer chain are saturated, significantly improving its resistance to heat, oxidation, and chemical attack.

HNBR provides excellent mechanical properties, superior resistance to oils and fuels, and high-temperature performance, making it ideal for harsh environments.

Types of Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

HNBR comes in different types depending on its acrylonitrile content and hydrogenation level. These factors influence flexibility, oil resistance, and mechanical strength.

Type	Acrylonitrile (ACN) Content	Key Features	Common Applications
Low ACN HNBR	17-25%	Improved flexibility at low temperatures	Seals in automotive and cold environments
Medium ACN HNBR	26-34%	Balanced oil resistance and flexibility	General-purpose seals, industrial gaskets
High ACN HNBR	35-50%	Superior oil, fuel, and chemical resistance	Oilfield equipment, fuel system seals

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)?

✔️ Advantages

✅ Exceptional resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals
✅ High mechanical strength and excellent abrasion resistance
✅ Broad operating temperature range (-40°C to +165°C)
✅ Excellent ozone, weather, and oxidation resistance
✅ Superior compression set and elongation retention under stress

❌ Disadvantages

❌ Higher material and processing costs compared to NBR and EPDM
❌ Less flexible at very low temperatures compared to silicone or EPDM
❌ Not suitable for highly polar fluids such as brake fluids or phosphate esters

🔧 Advantages vs Disadvantages Table

Feature	Advantages	Disadvantages
Temperature Resistance	-40°C to +165°C	Less flexible at very low temperatures
Chemical Resistance	Excellent resistance to oils, fuels	Not compatible with polar fluids (brake fluids)
Mechanical Strength	High tensile and tear strength	Higher cost

What is HNBR Rubber Used For?

HNBR is designed for extreme environments where high performance is required. Its applications span industries such as automotive, oil & gas, and industrial machinery.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber HNBR seals

🚗 Automotive Industry

✅ Applications: Timing belts, O-rings, fuel system seals, air conditioning seals
✅ Benefits:
- Withstands high temperatures in engine compartments
- Resists degradation from fuels, oils, and coolants
- Improves lifespan of sealing components under mechanical stress

🏭 Oil & Gas Industry

✅ Applications: Blowout preventer (BOP) seals, packer elements, gaskets, pipeline pigs
✅ Benefits:
- Performs under high pressure and extreme temperatures
- Resists hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and aggressive hydrocarbons
- Long service life reduces downtime in drilling operations

⚙️ Industrial Equipment

✅ Applications: Hydraulic seals, rotary shaft seals, roller covers
✅ Benefits:
- Maintains integrity in hydraulic fluids and industrial oils
- Excellent wear resistance extends equipment life

🔧 HNBR Industry Applications Performance Table

Industry	Temperature Range	Chemical Exposure	Durability
Automotive	-40°C to +150°C	Fuels, Oils	High
Oil & Gas	-30°C to +165°C	H2S, Hydrocarbons	Very High
Industrial Equipment	-40°C to +160°C	Hydraulic Fluids	High

Is HNBR Better Than Viton?

Both HNBR and Viton (FKM) are premium elastomers used in harsh environments, but they have distinct differences.

✅ HNBR: Superior mechanical strength, excellent abrasion resistance, good for dynamic applications, lower cost
✅ Viton: Better chemical resistance (especially to aggressive fuels), higher temperature resistance (up to 200°C), better performance with polar fluids

🔧 HNBR vs Viton Performance Comparison

Property	HNBR	Viton (FKM)
Temperature Range	-40°C to +165°C	-26°C to +200°C
Chemical Resistance	Excellent (oils, fuels)	Superior (acids, fuels, solvents)
Abrasion Resistance	High	Moderate
Cost	Moderate	High

What is the Difference Between Nitrile and HNBR?

✅ Hydrogenation: HNBR is NBR that has been hydrogenated, increasing its temperature and chemical resistance
✅ Temperature Performance: NBR typically handles up to +100°C, while HNBR manages up to +165°C
✅ Durability: HNBR has better mechanical properties and resistance to ozone and weathering

What is the Difference Between EPDM and HNBR Rubber?

✅ EPDM: Excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and water but poor resistance to oils and fuels
✅ HNBR: Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and high temperatures but limited resistance to polar fluids and UV

🔧 EPDM vs HNBR Performance Comparison

Property	EPDM	HNBR
Weather/Ozone Resistance	Excellent	Good
Oil/Fuel Resistance	Poor	Excellent
Temperature Range	-50°C to +150°C	-40°C to +165°C

How to Choose Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)?

🔍 Step 1: Define Application Requirements

✅ Temperature requirements (-40°C to +165°C)
✅ Chemical exposure (oils, fuels, H2S, etc.)
✅ Abrasion, mechanical stress factors

🔍 Step 2: Select the Right ACN Content

ACN Content	Oil Resistance	Flexibility	Applications
Low (17-25%)	Good	High (cold flexibility)	Cold environments, dynamic seals
Medium (26-34%)	Better	Moderate	Automotive, industrial seals
High (35-50%)	Best	Lower	Oilfield, fuel systems

🔍 Step 3: Verify Certifications

✅ ISO 9001: Quality Assurance
✅ RoHS/REACH: Environmental compliance
✅ Automotive and Aerospace specifications as required

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of HNBR Rubber Components!

At Julong Rubber, we offer high-performance HNBR seals, gaskets, and custom parts for automotive, oil & gas, and industrial sectors. Our engineering team supports tailored formulation and design to meet your specific needs.