‎Nitrile Rubber – NBR - ITC Élastomères

Production of nitrile butadiene rubber - NBR

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, also called Nitrile rubber, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. It is also known by the acronym NBR for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber in English. Generally speaking, nitrile rubber – NBR is presented as industrial rubber in sheets.

Nitrile butadiene rubber – a versatile material

Nitrile rubber – NBR is a versatile material with good resistance properties to oils, fuels and greases.

In addition, NBR has excellent mechanical properties such as high abrasion resistance, high tear and tensile strength as well as low residual deformation after compression. Its temperature resistance can range from -20° to +125°C depending on its nitrile content.

These characteristics therefore make this material interesting for numerous applications in a wide variety of sectors. However, the acrylonitrile content of NBR rubbers largely determines its properties.

At ITC Elastomers, we have a wide range of nitrile rubber – NBR with ACN (Acrylonitrile) content from 18 to 50%.

Summary of the properties of nitrile butadiene rubber-NBR

Advantages

Good level of mechanical properties
Good resistance to mineral oils
Very good resistance to fuels
Low gas permeability
Operating temperature (depending on acrylonitrile content): -20°C/-40°C to + 125°

Disadvantages

Low resistance to ozone and water vapor

Applications of nitrile butadiene rubber - NBR

The attractive quality/price ratio of nitrile rubber makes it the most used elastomer today in the seals industry: O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, static and dynamic hydraulic seals.

Generally speaking, nitrile rubber – NBR is transformed into seals, membranes, tubes and pipes for industrial production equipment, the automotive industry and the food industry.

Its good resistance to hydrocarbons makes it a prime candidate for aviation and automotive fuel systems where it is found in the form of fuel and oil handling pipes, joints, grommets and ensures the sealing of fuel tanks.

It can also be used in the manufacture of adhesives and sealants or as pigment binders.

It is also particularly appreciated as an industrial floor covering for its good resistance to solvents and chemicals.

In the medical field, nitrile butadiene rubber – NBR is also widely used to manufacture disposable laboratory or examination gloves. Indeed, its good resilience and resistance to chemicals provide increased protection against perforations and exposure to solvents of all types compared to natural rubber. Nitrile Butadiene Rubber – NBR is also less likely to generate allergic reactions than natural rubber.