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.

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is one of the most commonly used synthetic rubbers. It plays a vital role in industrial applications, especially where oil and fuel resistance are required. But is it the right choice for your project?

NBR, or Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, is known for its excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. It’s widely used in seals, gaskets, hoses, and protective gloves.

In this article, I will provide an in-depth guide to NBR rubber, covering its properties, uses, advantages, and comparisons with alternatives like EPDM and neoprene.

What is Nitrile Rubber (NBR)?

Nitrile Rubber, also known as NBR, Buna-N, or Perbunan, is a synthetic elastomer made by polymerizing acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The higher the ACN content, the greater the oil resistance but the lower the flexibility.

NBR is a synthetic rubber made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is highly resistant to oils, fuels, and chemicals.

🔎 Is NBR the Same as Nitrile Rubber?

✅ Yes. NBR and nitrile rubber are the same. The abbreviation NBR stands for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. The terms are used interchangeably across industries.

Key Properties of NBR:

✅ Excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels
✅ High abrasion and wear resistance
✅ Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +120°C)
✅ Low compression set for long-lasting seal performance
✅ Good tensile strength and mechanical durability
✅ Flexible at low temperatures, suitable for cold environments
✅ Moderate resistance to acids, bases, and chemicals
✅ Cost-effective for large-scale industrial applications
✅ Available in HNBR variants for enhanced heat, ozone, and chemical resistance

What Are the Pros and Cons of Nitrile Rubber?

Advantages of NBR Rubber

✅ Advantage	📋 Description
💧 Oil & Fuel Resistance	Outstanding resistance to petroleum oils, diesel, and fuels.
🛠️ Durability	High abrasion and tear resistance.
🌡️ Temperature Range	Performs between -40°C and +108°C (-40°F to +226°F).
💸 Cost-Effective	Affordable compared to fluorocarbon (FKM) and silicone.
🤲 Flexible Grades	Available in various hardness and flexibility formulations.

❌ Disadvantages of NBR Rubber

❌ Disadvantage	📋 Description
⚠️ Poor UV Resistance	Degrades when exposed to sunlight and ozone without additives.
❄️ Cold Flexibility Issues	Less flexible in very low temperatures, especially high ACN blends.
☢️ Limited Chemical Resistance	Not suitable for ketones, esters, or chlorinated hydrocarbons.

What is NBR Used For?

✅ NBR is widely used in seals, gaskets, O-rings, hoses, fuel systems, and gloves due to its oil resistance and durability.

🚗 1. Automotive Industry

✅ Fuel System Seals and Gaskets: NBR resists swelling and degradation when exposed to gasoline, diesel, and lubricants.
✅ Oil Seals: Commonly used in crankshafts, camshafts, and other rotating components where exposure to engine oils is constant.
✅ O-Rings and Hoses: Used in power steering systems, brake systems, and fuel lines for fluid handling and sealing.

🏭 2. Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

✅ Hydraulic Seals and O-Rings: Essential for hydraulic systems in construction and mining equipment, ensuring leak-free operation under high pressure.
✅ Industrial Hoses: Used in chemical plants and refineries for transferring oils and fuels without degradation.
✅ Gaskets and Washers: Provide sealing solutions in pipelines and industrial machinery that handle petroleum products.

🏗️ 3. Construction and HVAC Systems

✅ Insulation Tubing: NBR/PVC blends are widely used as thermal insulation for HVAC piping, reducing energy loss and condensation.
✅ Expansion Joints: NBR gaskets and seals handle movement and temperature changes in pipelines.

🚀 4. Aerospace and Defense

✅ Fuel System Seals: Used in aircraft fuel systems where compatibility with jet fuels is essential.
✅ Hydraulic Seals: Provide reliable sealing in aircraft hydraulic systems operating at high pressure and extreme temperatures.

🏥 5. Healthcare and Medical Applications

✅ Disposable Gloves: NBR gloves provide puncture resistance and protection against oils and chemicals in medical and laboratory settings.
✅ Medical Seals and Gaskets: FDA-compliant NBR is used in medical devices requiring contact with non-oil-based fluids.

🔧 NBR Industry Applications Performance Table

Industry	Primary Applications	Key Benefits	Limitations
Automotive	Seals, gaskets, hoses	Oil resistance, temperature tolerance	Moderate ozone resistance
Industrial	Hydraulic seals, hoses	Pressure resistance, chemical resistance	Limited UV resistance
Construction	HVAC insulation, gaskets	Thermal insulation, mold resistance	Lower durability in UV-exposed areas
Aerospace	Fuel seals, hydraulic seals	Fuel compatibility, high-pressure sealing	Limited low-temperature flexibility
Healthcare	Gloves, seals	Latex-free, puncture resistance	Not suitable for high-heat sterilization

Is Nitrile Waterproof?

✅ Yes! Nitrile Rubber is highly water-resistant. It creates effective seals in gaskets and O-rings where water exposure is present.

⚠️ Note: While NBR resists water, it is less suitable for prolonged outdoor use without UV protection.

Is Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Safe?

✅ NBR is considered safe for industrial and medical applications.

🩺 NBR gloves are standard in healthcare and lab settings.
🍽️ FDA-grade formulations are available for food-contact applications.

⚠️ However, NBR may release toxic fumes if burned. Only use certified NBR materials in food and medical devices.

What is an Alternative to NBR Rubber?

🔄 Depending on your application, several materials can replace NBR:

🔁 Alternative	✅ Advantages	❌ Disadvantages
EPDM	Excellent weather, ozone, and UV resistance	Poor oil and fuel resistance
Neoprene (CR)	Good weather and moderate oil resistance	Less flexible in cold environments
FKM (Viton®)	Superior chemical and heat resistance	High cost
Silicone Rubber	Excellent high-temperature and flexibility	Poor abrasion resistance

Which is Better, EPDM or NBR?

Choose based on your application!

Feature	EPDM	NBR
Oil & Fuel Resistance	❌ Poor	✅ Excellent
Weather / UV Resistance	✅ Excellent	❌ Poor (needs additives)
Temperature Range	-50°C to +150°C	-40°C to +108°C
Cost	Moderate	Lower

How to Tell if Rubber is Nitrile?

🔎 To identify NBR rubber:

🧪 Oil Resistance Test: NBR resists swelling in petroleum oils.
🔥 Burn Test: (Professional only) NBR burns with a sooty flame and acrid odor.
📋 Datasheet Check: Confirm with technical documents or supplier data.

How Long Does NBR Rubber Last?

NBR offers a solid service life when used properly.

🌍 Environment	⏳ Expected Lifespan
Indoor, Controlled	10-15 years
Outdoor, UV Exposure	5-7 years
In Contact with Oils/Fuels	7-10 years

To maximize lifespan, avoid UV/ozone exposure and use NBR in appropriate temperature ranges.

🔚 Conclusion

✅ Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is a reliable, affordable choice for applications requiring oil, fuel, and chemical resistance. While it has limitations in UV exposure and low temperatures, it remains a top material for gaskets, seals, hoses, and gloves.