Nitrile Rubber

COMMON NAME: Nitrile, NBR, Buna-N

General Characteristics

Nitrile rubber is a popular synthetic elastomer recognized for its strong resistance to oils and fuels. It’s commonly used in industrial and automotive settings where durability and fluid resistance are critical.

  • ASTM D-2000 Classification: BF, BG, BK
  • Military (MIL STD 417): SB
  • Chemical Definition: Butadine Acrylonitrile
  • Durometer Range: 20-95
  • Tensile Range (P.S.I): 200-3000
  • Elongation (Max %): 600
  • Compression Set: Good
  • Resilience-Rebound: Good
  • Abrasion Resistance: Excellent
  • Tear Resistance: Good
  • Solvent Resistance: Good to Excellent
  • Oil Resistance: Good to Excellent
  • Low Temperature Usage (F°): +30° to -40°
  • High Temperature Usage (F°): to 250°
  • Aging Weather-Sunlight: Poor
  • Adhesion to Metals: Good to Excellent

Nitrile Rubber Properties & Performance Characteristics

Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a general-purpose oil-resistant elastomer valued for its excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, solvents, water, and hydraulic fluids. It also provides good abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and low compression set, making it a durable choice for demanding environments. However, nitrile is not suitable for use in highly polar solvents such as acetone or MEK, nor in applications involving ozone, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or nitro hydrocarbons.

Benefits of Nitrile

Good compression set – Maintains its shape and sealing ability under prolonged pressure, making it ideal for gaskets, seals, and static applications.

Good abrasion resistance – Withstands friction and surface wear in dynamic environments, helping extend part life in contact-intensive applications.

Good tensile strength – Offers solid resistance to tearing and stretching under load, supporting performance in high-stress mechanical systems.

Common Uses for Nitrile Rubber

Nitrile rubber is widely used in applications requiring oil and fuel resistance, making it a top choice for automotive, aerospace, and industrial sealing components. It’s commonly found in O-rings, gaskets, fuel hoses, hydraulic seals, and diaphragms where resistance to petroleum-based fluids is essential. Due to its durability and performance under pressure, it’s also used in off-road equipment, marine environments, and industrial machinery exposed to oils, greases, and wear-intensive conditions.

CMDI nitrile rubber sheet rolls and tubing for industrial gasketing and insulation

Looking for versatile rubber solutions?

At CMDI, we manufacture custom molded parts to meet the specific requirements of your application.

Disclaimer: The material properties listed are typical values and may vary depending on formulation. CMDI can provide recommendations based on your application requirements. Always consult our team before specifying materials.

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