What is Nitrile Rubber? Properties, Applications, and Benefits

What is Nitrile Rubber?

Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N or NBR, is a synthetic rubber copolymer made of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is a highly versatile elastomer that is widely used in various industrial applications, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.

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Nitrile rubber is a type of synthetic rubber that was first developed in the s. It was initially used as a substitute for natural rubber during World War II, when supplies of natural rubber were limited. Since then, nitrile rubber has become a popular choice for a wide range of applications due to its unique properties, including excellent oil and chemical resistance, high tensile strength, and good abrasion resistance.

Why use Nitrile Rubber?

Nitrile rubber is a highly versatile elastomer with unique properties that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. Let&#;s take a closer look at the chemical composition and physical properties of nitrile rubber.

• Chemical Composition: Nitrile rubber is a copolymer made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. The percentage of acrylonitrile can vary from 18% to 50%, with the remaining percentage being butadiene. The higher the percentage of acrylonitrile, the better the oil resistance of the rubber. For example, a nitrile rubber with 50% acrylonitrile is often used in applications where oil resistance is critical..
• Physical Properties: Nitrile rubber has excellent tensile strength, elasticity, and temperature resistance. Its tensile strength ranges from 3.5 MPa to 21 MPa, depending on the grade of the rubber. Nitrile rubber is also highly elastic, with an elongation at break of up to 700%. Additionally, nitrile rubber has a high resistance to temperature, with a range of -40°C to 120°C.
• Oil Resistance: Nitrile rubber is highly resistant to oils, fuels, and other chemicals, making it an ideal choice for use in the automotive and aerospace industries. Its excellent oil resistance is due to the high percentage of acrylonitrile in its chemical composition.
• Abrasion Resistance: Nitrile rubber has good resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for use in applications where the rubber is subjected to wear and tear, such as conveyor belts and industrial hoses.
• Shock reduction and anti-vibration properties: HT800 Silicone is a valuable material for applications where vibration or shock reduction is necessary. It can absorb shock and vibration, reducing the amount of stress placed on other components.
• Compression Set: Nitrile rubber has a low compression set, which means it can maintain its shape even after prolonged compression. This property makes it an ideal choice for use in sealing and gasket applications.

What is Nitrile Rubber used for?

Nitrile rubber&#;s unique combination of properties, including excellent oil and chemical resistance, high tensile strength, and good abrasion resistance, make it an ideal material for a wide range of industrial applications. Here are some of the industries where nitrile rubber is commonly used:

Nitrile rubber is widely used in the aerospace industry due to its resistance to aviation fuels and hydraulic fluids. It is commonly used in the manufacture of fuel hoses, oil seals, and gaskets for aircraft engines, as well as in the construction of fuel tanks and other fluid handling systems. The exceptional chemical resistance of nitrile rubber also makes it an excellent choice for O-rings and other sealing applications.

The motorsport and automotive industries also heavily rely on nitrile rubber due to its oil and fuel resistance, as well as its excellent durability and temperature resistance. Nitrile rubber is commonly used in the manufacture of fuel systems, oil systems, and suspension components for high-performance race cars, as well as in the construction of tires and other rubber parts. In addition, nitrile rubber is also used in the production of air intake hoses, coolant hoses, and other engine components.

Nitrile rubber&#;s resistance to oils, chemicals, and other substances makes it a popular choice in the medical industry. It is often used in the production of medical gloves, catheters, and other medical equipment. Nitrile gloves, in particular, have gained popularity due to their superior puncture resistance, comfort, and chemical resistance compared to other types of gloves.

Footwear Industry

Nitrile rubber is also widely used in the footwear industry due to its excellent abrasion resistance and durability. It is commonly used in the production of outsoles, insoles, and midsoles for a wide range of footwear, from work boots to athletic shoes.

Nitrile rubber is also used in a wide range of industrial applications, particularly for sealing and gasketing. Its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals make it an ideal material for industrial seals, gaskets, and hoses. Nitrile rubber is also used in the construction of conveyor belts, food processing equipment, and other machinery.

Overall, nitrile rubber&#;s versatility and durability make it a popular choice across a wide range of industries. Its unique properties make it well-suited for use in applications where resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals is required, as well as in applications where abrasion resistance and durability are important.

Benefits of Nitrile Rubber

Nitrile rubber offers numerous benefits for various industrial applications. Some of the key benefits include:

Durability

Nitrile rubber is highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to chemicals and oils. Its ability to resist wear and tear makes it suitable for use in applications that require long-term performance.

Oil and Fuel Resistance

Nitrile rubber is highly resistant to oils and fuels, making it an ideal choice for applications in the automotive, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. Its resistance to these substances ensures that it can provide reliable performance even in environments with high exposure to oils and fuels

Water Resistance

Nitrile rubber has a closed-cell structure that provides an effective barrier against water absorption. This property makes it highly resistant to water and suitable for use in applications that require water resistance, such as gaskets, seals, and hoses.

High Temperature Resistance

Nitrile rubber can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in applications that require high-temperature resistance. Its ability to maintain its shape and properties even under extreme temperatures ensures that it can provide consistent performance over an extended period

Flexibility

Nitrile rubber is highly flexible and can be easily moulded into different shapes and sizes. This property makes it suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including automotive, medical, and industrial applications.

Cost-Effectiveness

Nitrile rubber is a cost-effective material that offers numerous benefits and can provide efficient solutions for various industrial applications. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice for manufacturers looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

What are the different types of Nitrile Rubber?

Nitrile rubber comes in various types, each designed for specific applications. Here we will discuss the most common types and their benefits.

• Commercial Grade Nitrile Rubber is a widely used general-purpose material known for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals. It has good tensile strength, elongation, and abrasion resistance properties. It is also resistant to water and most hydraulic fluids. This makes it ideal for gaskets, seals, and hoses in the automotive industry.
• British Standard Specification BS Nitrile Rubber is a high-quality material that meets the British Standard specification for oil-resistant nitrile rubber sheeting. It is widely used in the oil and gas industry, as well as in food processing and other industries where oil and chemical resistance is crucial. It has excellent tensile strength, elongation, and resistance to abrasion and tearing.
• Fuel Grade Nitrile Rubber is a specialist material designed specifically for use in the fuel and oil industries. It has excellent resistance to fuels, oils, and other chemicals commonly found in fuel systems. It also has good tensile strength and elongation properties, making it ideal for use in fuel hoses and seals.
• Nitrile Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber is a material that combines the properties of nitrile rubber with the strength and durability of nylon fabric. It is suitable for instances including where LPG and CNG, mineral oils, water and compressed air are present, as well as offering good tensile strength and elongation properties. This makes it ideal for use in diaphragms, seals and gaskets in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, and food processing.
• PVC/Nitrile Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber is a soft and flexible material that offers excellent resistance to weathering and exposure to oil and grease. Used for a wide range of sealing, noise, thermal insulation, electrical cable insulation or gap filling applications. The sponge rubber meets BS276 Class 0 fire retardancy requirements and is often used for automotive and industrial applications due to its good density and compressibility, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces.

In conclusion, the type of nitrile rubber used depends on the specific requirements of the application. While commercial grade nitrile is suitable for general-purpose use, BS nitrile is ideal for oil and gas applications, and fuel grade nitrile is designed specifically for use in fuel systems. Nitrile nylon insertion diaphragm sheet is a versatile material that combines the properties of nitrile rubber with the strength and durability of nylon fabric, while PVC/nitrile sponge is a soft and flexible material that offers excellent cushioning properties.

Through decades of experience in the supply of elastomeric materials, we have developed a comprehensive catalogue of rubber & sponge materials including Commercial Grade Nitrile, British Standard BS Nitrile, Fuel Grade Nitrile, Nitrile & Nylon Insertion Diaphragm and PVC/Nitrile Closed-Cell Sponge. The materials have been selected by our team due their outstanding properties, benefits and multitude of applications and are available to purchase in a range of Shore A hardness grades, thicknesses and sizes through our easy-to-use online shop.

Commercial Grade Nitrile is one of our most popular and widely used grades of Nitrile rubber, offering a cost-effective material that still holds important oil, fuel and chemical resistance capabilities. CQ Nitrile is available in varying thicknesses from 1.5mm to 6mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request), standard sheet sizes measuring 1.4 metres wide and in any length from 1 metre to a full 10 metre roll.

BS Nitrile is part of our buy-online range of British Standard Specification elastomers. The material is available in various Shore A hardness grades from BA40 to BA70, thicknesses from 0.5mm to 6mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request) and at 1.4 metres wide. You can purchase the material in any length from 1 metre to 10 metres.

Fuel Grade Nitrile is well suited for applications where harsh fuels, oils and chemicals are present, particularly in the aerospace or automotive sectors. The high-performance elastomer is available in 65 shore A and thicknesses from 1.5mm to 6mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request). We offer Fuel Grade Nitrile online in both full sheets (1.4 metres x 1m &#; 10m lengths) or in cut rubber strip form. Our Cut Strip option includes any width from 12mm to 50mm (contact us for alternative widths) and is sold in standard lengths of 5 metres.

Nitrile (NBR) Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber sheet is manufactured using nylon to reinforce black NBR Nitrile, designed to give sustained performance and longevity in a range of instances where LPG, CNG, mineral oils, water and compressed air are present. The specialist material is available to purchase online in 4 thicknesses (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.65mm, 0.8mm), supplied in 1.4 metre lengths and any length from 2 metres to a 10 metre roll.

Unlike the other rubber materials discussed in this blog, PVC/Nitrile is a closed-cell sponge material, offering a unique set of properties in comparison to CQ, BS and Fuel Grade Nitrile. The soft sponge rubber material is used for sealing, noise and thermal insulation applications, offering excellent compressibility and resistance to weathering, oil and grease. PVC/Nitrile is classified to BS476 Class 0 building regulations and will protect surfaces from the spread of flames, limiting the amount of heat released during a fire. The high-performance closed-cell sponge rubber is available in cut-strip form via our online shop, available in a range of thicknesses from 3mm to 25mm thick, any width from 12mm to 150mm and sold in standard coil lengths of 10m.

Nitrile is widely used in various industries, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. This is because it has many advantages over other materials, including being abrasion, tear, water and oil resistant.

Nitrile rubber applications are many and varied, because it is highly versatile. Also known as NBR or Buna-N, it is the industrial seals sector&#;s most economical and commonly used elastomer.

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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit nbr latex suppliers.

What is Nitrile rubber?

A synthetic rubber copolymer, made of butadiene and acrylonitrile, Nitrile was first developed in the s. During World War II, it was widely used as a substitute for natural rubber, as supplies were limited.

In the post-war years, it has become a popular choice for many different applications, due to its unique properties. It has high tensile strength, good abrasion resistance and excellent oil and chemical resistance.

The wide Nitrile temperature range is also a huge advantage, as it remains effective at temperatures of between -40°C and 108°C. The chemical composition and physical properties of Nitrile make it an ideal choice for multiple applications across various industries.

What is Nitrile rubber used for?

As well as automotive and aerospace industry use, Nitrile also produces various moulded goods, rubber gaskets, floor mats, rubber sheeting, footwear, expanded foams, sealants, adhesives and sponges.

It can be used to make automotive transmission belts, disposable non-latex gloves, hoses, oil seals, O-rings, gaskets, static and dynamic hydraulic seals, V belts, synthetic leather, cable jacketing and printer&#;s form rollers.

It is suitable for general purpose applications, including environments where resistance is required to petroleum oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons, water and hydraulic fluids.

Nitrile rubber properties and chemical composition

The Nitrile structure dictates what the rubber can be used for. The percentage of acrylonitrile can vary from 18% to 50%, with the remaining material being butadiene. The greater the percentage of acrylonitrile in the chemical composition, the better the rubber&#;s oil resistance.

Nitrile rubber containing 50% acrylonitrile is commonly used for applications that require the highest levels of oil resistance.

It also provides excellent tensile strength, temperature resistance and elasticity. Nitrile&#;s tensile strength ranges from 3.5 MPa to 21 MPa. Also highly elastic, it has an elongation at break of up to 700%.

The high percentage of acrylonitrile in its chemical composition provides excellent oil resistant properties. Its abrasion resistance makes it ideal for use in industries where the rubber is subject to harsh environments and general wear and tear, including conveyor belts and industrial hoses.

Its shock reduction and anti-vibration properties enable it to absorb shock and vibration to reduce the stress placed on other components.

Nitrile rubber also has a low compression set. This means it maintains its shape following prolonged compression. This is why it&#;s a common choice for gasket and sealing applications.

Is Nitrile latex free?

Nitrile is widely used in the healthcare and other sectors for people who are concerned about the risks of latex allergies. Natural rubber latex is a type of latex produced by dispersing and suspending small particles of natural rubber in water.

The material&#;s counterpart, made with Nitrile, does not contain natural rubber latex. It is produced by dispersing and suspending particles of Nitrile butadiene rubber in water. This makes it an ideal choice for people with latex allergies.

Because Nitrile rubber is resistant to abrasion, it offers excellent durability and can be manufactured with a thinner profile than natural rubber latex products. This makes it suitable for Nitrile rubber gloves to provide protection, even with a very thin profile.

Nitrile vs Latex

In general terms, Nitrile is a stronger, more durable rubber compared with latex, but latex is often a cheaper option for applications that don&#;t require strong resistance to chemicals, abrasions and water.

Choosing Nitrile or latex largely depends on what task or job you&#;re planning. In addition, people who are at risk of latex allergies prefer Nitrile rubber, thanks to its synthetic polymer composition, which does not contain plant-based proteins.

What are the different types of Nitrile rubber?

There are various types of Nitrile rubber for different specific applications. Commercial grade Nitrile is a general-purpose rubber that provides resistance to fuels, oils and chemicals.

It offers good elongation, tensile strength and abrasion resistance. It is also resistant to most hydraulic fluids and water, making it suitable for automotive uses, such as gaskets.

Nitrile rubber that complies with British Standard BS is a higher-quality material. It meets the specifications for oil-resistance for rubber sheeting. Widely used in the gas and oil industry, as well as in food manufacturing and processing, it provides excellent tensile strength and resistance to tearing and abrasions.

Fuel Grade Nitrile rubber, a specialist material, is used specifically in the oil and fuel industries. With excellent resistance to oils, fuels and other chemicals in fuel systems, it also has good elongation properties and tensile strength. It is commonly used in seals and fuel hoses.

Nitrile Nylon Insertion Diaphragm Rubber is suitable for industries where LPG, CNG, water, mineral oils and compressed air are present. It is commonly used for seals, diaphragms and gaskets in the oil, gas, chemical and food processing sectors.

Finally, PVC/Nitrile closed-cell sponge rubber offers a unique set of properties, making it ideal for use in thermal, sealing and noise applications.

Nitrile rubber in general is a cost-effective material, providing numerous benefits and efficient solutions for many industrial applications. Its durability and versatility make it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking high quality solutions at a price that won&#;t break the bank.

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