Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N or NBR, is a versatile synthetic elastomer prized for its resilience in oil-heavy environments.

Major Advantages

Superior Oil Resistance: Highly resistant to petroleum oils, aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, and vegetable oils.
Chemical Stability: Withstands many acids and specific formulations are suitable for transformer oils (standard commercial compounds are not recommended for this).
Physical Durability: Exhibits good elongation properties, adequate resilience, high tensile strength, and reliable compression set.
Versatile Manufacturing: Can be molded into custom parts, extruded into profiles and tubing, or calendered into large sheet goods.
Broad Hardness Range: Available in a durometer range of 40 to 90 Shore A.
Temperature Range: Most compounds can operate effectively between -30°F and 220°F.
Specialized Variations:
- HNBR: Hydrogenated Nitrile (high performance, typically custom).

Limitations

Cost Efficiency: Due to its price point, it is generally not recommended for applications where oil resistance is not a primary requirement.
Chemical Vulnerabilities: Poor resistance to ozone, ketones, esters, aldehydes, and chlorinated or nitro hydrocarbons.

Technical Specifications