Many buyers get confused between NBR and HNBR. Both sound similar, but their performance and costs are very different. Choosing the wrong one can cause seal failure.
NBR is nitrile butadiene rubber, while HNBR is hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber. HNBR offers better heat, oil, and ozone resistance than NBR due to hydrogenation.
I often meet customers who think HNBR is just a harder version of NBR. In reality, it is a chemically upgraded material that solves many of NBR’s weaknesses.
What is NBR rubber?
NBR is a widely used synthetic rubber made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is popular because of its oil resistance and low cost.
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is best for general oil resistance, sealing, and low to medium temperature applications.
I often recommend NBR for fuel hoses, O-rings, and gaskets in moderate conditions. It is the economical choice for many automotive and industrial uses.
Key Features of NBR
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Temperature range1 | -40°C to +120°C |
| Oil resistance2 | Good for petroleum oils |
| Abrasion resistance3 | Moderate |
| Ozone/weathering4 | Poor |
| Cost5 | Low |
NBR is effective, but it cracks quickly when exposed to ozone, weather, or higher heat.
What is HNBR rubber6?
HNBR is produced by hydrogenating NBR. This chemical change reduces double bonds in the polymer chain, making the rubber much more stable.
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) resists heat, oil, ozone, and chemicals better than NBR, with higher mechanical strength.
I once supplied HNBR seals for HVAC compressors7 that previously used NBR. The NBR seals hardened and leaked after six months. With HNBR, the seals lasted over two years.
Key Features of HNBR
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | -40°C to +165°C (up to 180°C peak) |
| Oil resistance | Excellent, superior to NBR |
| Abrasion resistance | High |
| Ozone/weathering | Excellent |
| Cost | Medium |
HNBR sits between NBR and high-end rubbers like FKM. It gives strong performance without the high cost of Viton.
NBR vs HNBR8: Detailed Comparison
Both materials are nitrile-based, but their properties differ greatly. This comparison helps buyers choose wisely.
HNBR outperforms NBR in high heat, dynamic stress, and exposure to ozone or chemicals. NBR remains the cheaper choice for moderate conditions.
[^9] (NBR at 120°C vs HNBR at 165°C), oil/fuel resistance (NBR rated good, HNBR rated excellent), abrasion resistance (NBR moderate, HNBR high), and ozone/weathering resistance with images of both seals.](https://rubberandseal.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2025/09/nbr-vs-hnbr-comparison.jpg.webp)
Comparison Table
| Feature | NBR | HNBR |
|---|---|---|
| Base polymer9 | Nitrile butadiene rubber | Hydrogenated nitrile rubber |
| Heat resistance10 | Up to 120°C | Up to 165°C (peak 180°C) |
| Oil/fuel resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Ozone/weathering | Poor | Excellent |
| Abrasion resistance | Moderate | High |
| Compression set11 | Moderate | Low |
| Mechanical strength12 | Standard | Higher tensile and tear |
| Cost | Low | Medium |
A practical example: For hydraulic seals in indoor equipment, NBR works well. For outdoor compressors exposed to sun and heat, HNBR is the better option.
When should I choose NBR or HNBR?
This is the question I hear most from purchasing officers. The answer depends on working conditions, budget, and expected service life.
Choose NBR for standard oil resistance at low cost. Choose HNBR when you need higher durability, heat stability, and ozone resistance.
I always advise customers not to overspend on HNBR when NBR is enough. But if downtime is costly, investing in HNBR pays back.
Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Material | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel hoses13 | NBR or HNBR | NBR for cost, HNBR for durability |
| HVAC compressors7 | HNBR | Better refrigerant and heat resistance |
| Automotive O-rings14 | NBR (indoor use) | Cost-effective |
| Outdoor hydraulic seals15 | HNBR | Ozone/weathering protection |
| Oil drilling equipment | HNBR | High pressure and chemical resistance |
The right choice depends on balancing budget with performance needs.
Conclusion
NBR and HNBR share the same roots, but hydrogenation makes HNBR stronger. NBR is cost-effective, while HNBR is a high-performance upgrade.
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Learn about the temperature capabilities of HNBR rubber to ensure it meets your operational requirements. ↩
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Discover why HNBR's oil resistance makes it a preferred choice for demanding applications. ↩
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Explore the abrasion resistance of HNBR to understand its durability in harsh environments. ↩
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Find out how HNBR performs against ozone and weathering, crucial for outdoor applications. ↩
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Get insights into the cost implications of choosing NBR versus HNBR for your projects. ↩
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Explore the advantages of HNBR rubber for various applications, including its superior resistance to heat and chemicals. ↩
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Explore this resource to understand how HNBR enhances HVAC performance and longevity, ensuring reliable operation. ↩ ↩
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Understand the key differences between NBR and HNBR to make informed decisions for your sealing needs. ↩
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Understanding the base polymer helps in selecting the right rubber for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance. ↩
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Explore this resource to discover top materials for heat resistance, ensuring optimal performance in your applications. ↩
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Understanding compression set is crucial for selecting the right rubber for your application, ensuring durability and performance. ↩
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Learn about the mechanical strength of HNBR and how it can enhance the performance of your seals. ↩
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Explore this resource to understand the best materials for fuel hoses, ensuring safety and efficiency in your applications. ↩
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Explore this link to discover the best materials for automotive O-rings, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. ↩
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Explore this resource to understand the best materials for outdoor hydraulic seals, ensuring durability and performance. ↩
