Skip to Content
Skip to Main Menu

Nitrile & Hydrogenated Nitrile

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is one of the oldest and most basic man-made elastomers used for sealing. Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) is produced by selective hydrogenation of the butadiene groups.

What is NBR/HNBR?

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is one of the oldest and most basic man-made elastomers used for sealing. It's a member of the R-Group of synthetic rubbers - which means it has an unsaturated hydrogen carbon chain. It can be formulated with differing levels of Acrylonitrile (ACN) which will impact the ultimate chemical resistance and temperature range capability of the specific compound. All NBR's generally have good levels of mechanical properties such as elongation at break, abrasion and compression set resistance.
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is produced by selective hydrogenation of the butadiene groups, and results in a material which has improved mechanical properties and a higher temperature capability. As with NBR, the ACN content within the specific compound will determine temperature and fluid resistance. The popular terms of “high”, “medium” and “low" nitrile are often used to indicate the ACN content although this can be too superficial to ensure robust performance in the application.

 

Why use NBR/HNBR?

NBR compounds are relatively easy to produce and are the most commonly used materials in the sealing industry, as well as being widely used for other products such as belts, rollers and hoses. An NBR seal is often the most cost effective choice for applications with moderately demanding requirements for temperature and fluid resistance.
HNBR compounds are more expensive but can offer significant advantages in some applications. In terms of fluid resistance (notably hydrogen sulphide and amines in oil and gas applications) and mechanical strength and overall life, for a modest increase in initial cost. Both materials can be processed by high (injection moulding) and low (compression moulding) volumes cost effectively.

Mouldings Garkets 2 Mouldings Garkets 2

When to use NBR/HNBR

NBR is ideal for applications sealing mineral and vegetable based oils and greases, and cold-to-warm water. It's also resistant  to diesel, HFA/B/C hydraulic fluids and dilute acid, alkali and salt solutions. However, use with aromatic fuels or hydrocarbons, along with polar solvents (such as ketones and acetone) should be avoided, and ozone and weathering resistance is poor.
HNBR materials have slightly improved ozone resistance and are more durable in high temperature water and steam. General NBR grades are capable from -30°C (-22°F) to +100°C (212°F) with HNBR increasing to +150°C (300°F).  
Through adjustment of the ACN level, capabilities as low as -60°C (-76°F) or up to +160°C (320°F) can be achieved (but not in the same compound).
This is an important consideration when specifying or choosing a material; not all NBR grades are equally capable and full application conditions should be considered even when replacing an existing seal.

Other R-Group materials include Chloroprene (CR), Butyl (IIR) and Styrene Butyl Rubber (SBR). These are similiar rubbers that have specific properties ideal for some applications; for example, CR has good low temperature properties whilst IIR has very low gas permeability and SBR has good abrasion resistance.

Standard NBR/HNBR materials

This is a small selection of our general purpose NBR/HNBR materials. Many more compounds are available and can be chosen to suit the specifics of the application.

The tensile strength and elongation are for specification purposes. Typical achieved values can be significantly higher.

Temperature range  is general recommendation for static application in air. Temperature ratings are subject to full application review.

Ceetak code
Material group
Hardness
(Shore)
Colour
Tensile Strength
MPa min
Elongation at Break
% min
Recommended operating
temperature range
Callout ASTM D2000
HN60CC31
HNBR
60
Black
14
250
-25°C to +140°C
M4 DH 614 A26 B36 EO16 EO36
HN70C642
HNBR
70
Black
16
250
-35°C to +150°C
M4 DH 716 A26 B16 EO16 EO36 F17
HN80C157
HNBR
80
Black
10
150
-30°C to +150°C
M3 DH 810 A26 B16 C12 E016 EO36 F17
N60C256
NBR
60
Black
7
250
-40°C to +100°C
M7 BG 607 B14 EO14 EO34 EF11 EF21 F17
N70C181
NBR
70
Black
14
250
-40°C to +100°C
M2 BG 714 A14 B14 EA14 EF11 EF21 EO14 EO34
N80C178
NBR
80
Black
14
125
-30°C to +100°C
M2 BG 814 A14 B14 EA14 EO34 EF11 EF21 F15

Rubber Shelf Life

Guidelines for storage and shelf life of rubber products. 

In association with
Member of EUSGA
High Tech NL
Bedford Blues

Contact Us

By submitting this form, you are agreeing our Privacy Policy For more information see our Privacy Policy
Close Menu