Nitrile Rubber

24 April 2026

Verified by Rachel Mayfield, Supply Chain Analyst - April 2026

Detailed view of a vehicle's air suspension component with focus on texture and design.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels
Nitrile Rubber (nbr) is a synthetic rubber with excellent oil resistance, used in o-rings and seals for hydraulic and fuel systems. Developed during World War II, NBR can withstand exposure to petroleum-based oils without degradation or swelling, making it ideal for automotive and industrial applications. Practical applications of Nitrile Rubber include use in mechanical seals, gaskets, hoses, and conveyor belts. It's also common in medical gloves and food processing equipment due to its resistance to water and various chemicals. According to the British Plastics Federation (BPF). Over 50% of synthetic rubber production globally is attributed to NBR, highlighting its widespread use across industries. Relevant ISO standards for Nitrile Rubber include ISO 1803, which outlines test methods for evaluating physical properties like tensile strength and elongation. BS EN ISO 2436 specifies the quality requirements for nitrile rubber, ensuring consistent performance across different applications. DIN 7715 provides guidelines for testing resistance to oils and fuels. Common values or ranges for NBR include a hardness range of Shore A 20-90. With typical tensile strength between 8-30 MPa. Tear resistance is usually around 6-40 kN/m, making it suitable for applications requiring durability under stress. Compression set measurements are important to ensure seals maintain their shape and function over time. When selecting engineering components, Nitrile Rubber offers a cost-effective solution due to its widespread availability and versatility. However, it's not recommended for use in systems with oxygen or ozone exposure, as these can degrade the material quickly. Procurement managers should consider alternatives like fluorocarbon rubber (Viton) for applications involving such environments. Understanding the specific grades of Nitrile Rubber. Such as oil resistance class 1 and 2, helps engineers choose materials based on performance requirements. The British Industrial & Allied Fasteners Distributors (BIAFD) recommends consulting material data sheets to confirm suitability for each application. This ensures that components meet technical standards while delivering reliable service life in demanding conditions.

Where this data comes from: Supplier listings are verified against Companies House public records. Product specifications reference published ISO, BS, and DIN standards. Trade body data is sourced from official member directories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nitrile Rubber?

NBR, a synthetic rubber with excellent oil resistance, used in O-rings and seals for hydraulic and fuel systems.

What is Nitrile Rubber and why was it developed?

Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent oil resistance, making it ideal for use in automotive and industrial applications. Developed during World War II, NBR can withstand exposure to petroleum-based oils without degradation or swelling.

What are the common variants of Nitrile Rubber?

There are various types of NBR, including acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers with varying acrylonitrile content. This variation affects its resistance properties; higher acrylonitrile content provides better oil and fuel resistance but reduces flexibility.

How do engineers choose the right hardness level for an application when using Nitrile Rubber?

Engineers should consider the specific requirements of their applications, such as sealing pressure and chemical exposure. Typically, NBR has a hardness range from Shore A 20 to 90, allowing selection based on needed durability and flexibility.

What are some relevant ISO standards for assessing the quality of Nitrile Rubber?

Key standards include ISO 1803, which outlines test methods for evaluating physical properties like tensile strength and elongation. Additionally, BS EN ISO 2436 specifies quality requirements for nitrile rubber to ensure consistent performance across different applications.

Where can UK engineers find reliable suppliers of Nitrile Rubber?

Engineers in the UK can look into local manufacturers or distributors listed on platforms like MLC (mlc.org.uk) and the British Plastics Federation (BPF). These sources provide information on availability, pricing, and compliance with quality standards for NBR.

What is Nitrile Rubber and why is it widely used in industrial applications?

Nitrile Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber developed during World War II with excellent oil resistance. It's widely used in industrial applications due to its ability to withstand exposure to petroleum-based oils without degradation, making it ideal for use in seals, gaskets, and hoses.

What are the common types or variants of Nitrile Rubber available?

Common variants of Nitrile Rubber include different acrylonitrile (ACN) content levels, which determine its resistance properties. For instance, higher ACN content enhances oil resistance but can reduce flexibility; typically, ACN ranges from 18% to 40%.

How do engineers choose the right type of Nitrile Rubber for their specific application?

Engineers should consider factors such as exposure to oils and fuels, required hardness (Shore A 20-90), tensile strength (8-30 MPa), and tear resistance (6-40 kN/m) when selecting the appropriate type of Nitrile Rubber for their specific application.

What ISO standards are relevant for evaluating the quality of Nitrile Rubber?

Relevant ISO standards include ISO 1803, which outlines test methods for evaluating physical properties like tensile strength and elongation. BS EN ISO 2436 specifies quality requirements for NBR to ensure consistent performance across various applications.