Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene (HNBR)
Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is a partially to fully hydrogenated derivative of Nitrile Rubber (NBR), designed to provide superior heat, oil, and chemical resistance, combined with outstanding mechanical strength and dynamic performance. Through selective hydrogenation of the NBR polymer backbone, the residual double bonds are saturated, greatly enhancing thermal stability, oxidative resistance, and ozone durability — while preserving excellent oil and fuel resistance.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our HNBR compounds are engineered for high-performance seals, gaskets, and dynamic components used in oilfield, automotive, industrial, and aerospace environments where strength, temperature endurance, and chemical compatibility are critical. HNBR offers outstanding tensile strength (up to 4,000 psi), excellent tear resistance, and superior fatigue life, making it one of the most durable elastomers available for demanding mechanical applications.
Performance Advantages
- Excellent oil and fuel resistance in aliphatic hydrocarbons, lubricating oils, and automotive fluids.
- Superior heat and oxidation resistance with continuous performance up to 300 °F (150 °C), with intermittent service above 350 °F (175 °C).
- Outstanding tensile and tear strength exceeding that of standard NBR and many fluoroelastomers.
- Excellent abrasion and dynamic fatigue resistance ideal for reciprocating, rotary, and oscillating applications under load.
- Good chemical resistance is compatible with acids, bases, amines, and many industrial chemicals.
- Excellent ozone and weathering stability resistant to long-term UV and environmental exposure.
- Low compression set and excellent sealing retention that maintains preload and elasticity under prolonged stress and heat.
- Good low-temperature flexibility down to –40 °F (–40 °C) depending on acrylonitrile content.
Applications
Eutsler’s custom HNBR compounds are specified for high-performance dynamic and static sealing applications where durability, strength, and fluid compatibility are required.
Typical applications include:
- Oilfield packer elements, valve seats, and blowout preventer seals
- Automotive fuel and oil seals, O-rings, and diaphragms
- Hydraulic and pneumatic seals and gaskets
- Industrial rollers, bushings, and vibration isolators
- Compressor and pump seals exposed to oils or refrigerants
- Chemical-processing and energy-system seals
- Bonded rubber-to-metal mounts and couplings
HNBR excels in oil, fuel, and heat-exposed environments, making it one of the most durable and chemically stable elastomers available for mechanical sealing and vibration control.
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s HNBR compounds provide:
- Tensile strength: 1,500 – 4,000 psi (high-strength grades available)
- Elongation: 100 – 400 % depending on durometer and filler system
- Compression set: Excellent, maintaining elasticity at elevated temperature
- Low glass transition temperature (Tg): Enables cold flexibility to –40 °F
- Excellent resistance to mineral oils, fuels, and lubricants
- High abrasion and tear strength under cyclic deformation
- Superior heat and oxidative aging performance
- Available in peroxide- and sulfur-cured systems for optimized performance balance
Note: HNBR is not recommended for use with aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, or strong acids. For exposure to such media, other elastomers must be considered.
General Characteristics of HNBR Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 40 – 95 | Broad range for sealing and dynamic applications |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,500 – 4,000 | Exceptional mechanical strength |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 100 – 400 | Good elasticity and tear resistance |
| Compression Set | Excellent | Retains sealing force at elevated temperature |
| Resilience / Rebound | Good – Excellent | Strong elastic recovery; ideal for dynamic service |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Outstanding for high-friction or load-bearing parts |
| Tear Resistance | Excellent | Resists crack initiation and propagation |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Stable in lubricants, fuels, and synthetic oils |
| Solvent Resistance | Good | Performs in many industrial chemicals |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent | Ideal for gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –40 °F (–40 °C) | Flexible at subzero temperatures |
| High-Temperature Usage | +350 °F (175 °C) intermittent | Exceptional heat-aging stability |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Excellent | Long-term outdoor performance |
| Compression Set Resistance | Excellent | Maintains preload after long-term compression |
| Adhesion to Metals | Excellent | Excellent for rubber-to-metal bonded parts |
| Dynamic Fatigue Resistance | Outstanding | Superior endurance under cyclic stress |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded HNBR Components
With over six decades of expertise in high-performance elastomer compounding, Eutsler Technical Products designs and manufactures custom HNBR parts optimized for oil resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal durability.
Our engineering team tailors polymer grade, hydrogenation level, and cure system to meet specific operating conditions — from oilfield packer elements to high-speed dynamic seals.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, Eutsler ensures traceable quality, consistent compound performance, and precision molding for every application.
Request a quote today to specify HNBR components engineered for maximum service life in demanding oil, heat, and mechanical environments.
Summary
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) combines strength, heat resistance, and fluid compatibility for the most demanding sealing and dynamic mechanical applications.
Eutsler Technical Products manufactures precision HNBR components engineered to perform in oilfield, automotive, and industrial environments where durability and reliability are essential.
- Chemical Family: Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymer
- Service Temperature Range: –40 °F to +350 °F (–40 °C to +175 °C)
- Distinguishing Features: Exceptional strength, oil and heat resistance, and fatigue life
- Key Advantages:
- Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and heat
- Outstanding mechanical strength and tear resistance
- Low compression set and excellent dynamic durability
- Superior ozone and weathering resistance
- Long service life under high pressure and mechanical load
- Limitations:
- Limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and esters
- Moderate low-temperature flexibility compared to NR or EPDM
Why Choose Eutsler Technical Products?
R&D
Experienced staff develop high performance and long life parts
Material Selection
Over 300 compounds or custom elastomeric compounds available
Mold Design
Custom molds are designed ensuring tolerances are met
Manufacturing
Molding, extrusion and die cutting services to build your part
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