Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
Nitrile butadiene rubber is a synthetic rubber produced by the polymerization of acrylonitrile with butadiene. Nitrile butadiene rubbers are also called NBR, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, nitrile synthetic rubber, and NR. This type of synthetic rubber is widely used in many applications. In fact, most of the industrial nitrile rubber manufacturing units are looking for multiple synthetic rubbers.
Nitrile butadiene rubber is a synthetic rubber copolymer of NBR acrylonitrile and butadiene. The chemical name of nitrile synthetic rubber is an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer. It is one of the most important types of synthetic rubber with high resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbon oils and fuels.
Different grades of Nitrile Rubber are available from manufacturers and suppliers. The higher the acrylonitrile content in the nitrile rubber grade, the higher the oil resistance, but then the lower temperature elasticity becomes poorer.
Properties of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
Nitrile rubber has high elasticity and high wear resistance. However, it has only moderate strength with limited heat resistance and poor resistance to essential oils. Nitrile rubber can typically be used up to about -30C, but special NBR grades can work even at low temperatures.
Nitrile rubber belongs to the family of unsatisfactory copolymers of acrylonitrile and butadiene.
The physical and chemical properties of the nitrile rubber depend on the polymer synthesis of acrylonitrile.
Different grades are available for this rubber. The higher the acrylonitrile content inside the polymer, the higher the oil resistance.
It is generally resistant to fuels and other chemicals.
It can withstand a certain temperature range.
It has less strength and flexibility than natural rubber.
Nitrile rubber is also resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons.
It is less resistant to ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, and aldehydes.
It has high flexibility and high wear resistance but only moderate strength.
It has limited weather resistance.
Normally it can be used up to about -30 degrees Celsius, but special temperatures can also work at low temperatures.
Applications of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
NBR or nitrile synthetic rubber is considered a workhorse for the rubber products of automotive and other industrial units. By choosing an elastomer with the appropriate acrylonitrile material in balance with other properties, industrial nitrile rubber (NBR) is used in a variety of application areas that require oil, fuel, and chemical resistance. In the automotive area, NBR is used in water-handling applications and in fuel and oil-handling hoses, seals, and grommets. With temperatures from -40 to +125 degrees Celsius, NBR material can withstand all automotive applications. Due to its flexibility, this form of synthetic rubber is the best material for disposable lab, cleaning, and inspection gloves.
Uses of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)
- Roll cover
- Hydraulic hoses
- Conveyor belting
- Graphic arts
- Oil field packer
- Seals for all types of plumbing and appliance applications
- Injection or molded product transfer
- Extruded hose or tubing
- Calendered sheet material (floor mats and industrial belting)
- Different articles of sponge