Nitrile Rubber Products
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is a copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, developed to provide superior resistance to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbon-based fluids. By varying the ACN content (typically 18–50%), NBR compounds can be optimized for flexibility, oil resistance, or low-temperature performance making it one of the most widely used sealing materials in the industrial and automotive sectors.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our NBR elastomers are formulated to deliver excellent sealing integrity, good mechanical strength, and outstanding resistance to oils and lubricants. NBR combines reliable compression-set behavior, consistent tensile strength, and excellent abrasion resistance, providing a durable and cost-effective choice for a broad range of static and dynamic sealing applications.
Performance Advantages
- Exceptional oil and fuel resistance withstands exposure to petroleum oils, diesel, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants.
- Good mechanical properties balance tensile strength, elongation, and toughness for dynamic service.
- Controlled compression set maintains sealing load under pressure and temperature cycling.
- Excellent abrasion and wear resistance performs reliably in hydraulic systems, pumps, and seals with sliding contact.
- Tailorable flexibility and performance ACN content and cure system can be adjusted for specific temperature or fuel requirements.
- Good gas permeability control ideal for pneumatic and vacuum sealing applications.
Applications
Eutsler manufactures custom NBR compounds designed for oil-, fuel-, and chemical-exposed service across multiple industries, including energy, industrial, automotive, and aerospace.
Typical applications include:
- Hydraulic and pneumatic seals
- O-rings, gaskets, and diaphragms
- Fuel system seals and hoses
- Valve seats and packer elements
- Oil-resistant rollers and sleeves
- Rubber-to-metal bonded mounts and isolators
NBR remains the industry standard for oil-resistant sealing due to its combination of affordability, performance, and compound versatility.
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s NBR compounds exhibit:
- Tensile strength: 1,500–3,500 psi with excellent elongation
- Low compression set: Retains preload under long-term compression and heat
- Temperature stability: Functional from –40 °F to +250 °F (–40 °C to +120 °C)
- Good dynamic fatigue and abrasion performance under hydraulic and pneumatic cycling
- Chemical stability: Resistant to oils, fuels, greases, and many aliphatic hydrocarbons
- Custom hardness range: 40–95 Shore A available to meet sealing or cushioning requirements
Note: NBR has limited ozone, sunlight, and weather resistance. Outdoor or high-ozone applications require protective formulations with antiozonants.
General Characteristics of NBR Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 40 – 95 | Custom hardness available |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,500 – 3,500 | Strong mechanical properties |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 200 – 600 | Flexible with high toughness |
| Compression Set | Good | Maintains sealing load |
| Resilience / Rebound | Good | Balanced elasticity and damping |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Ideal for dynamic sealing and wear applications |
| Tear Resistance | Good | Durable under mechanical stress |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Outstanding for petroleum oils and greases |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent | Performs well in diesel and aviation fuels |
| Solvent Resistance | Fair | Resists aliphatic hydrocarbons; poor for aromatics/ketones |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –40 °F (–40 °C) | Flexible; low-ACN grades preferred |
| High-Temperature Usage | +250 °F (120 °C) | Heat-resistant formulations available |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Poor | Requires protection or indoor service |
| Adhesion to Metals | Good | Strong with bonding agents |
| Gas Permeability | Low | Excellent for pneumatic sealing |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded NBR Components
With over six decades of experience, Eutsler Technical Products provides custom-engineered NBR compounds and molded parts optimized for performance in oil- and fuel-rich environments.
Our team collaborates with customers to tailor polymer grade, cure system, and filler package to achieve targeted mechanical and chemical performance.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, Eutsler ensures tight process control, repeatable quality, and full traceability from design through production.
Request a quote today for high-performance NBR parts engineered to meet your exact specifications.
Summary
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) remains the industry benchmark for oil-resistant elastomers, combining robust sealing performance, mechanical durability, and economic efficiency — ideal for hydraulic, fuel, and oilfield applications requiring long-term reliability.
- Chemical Family:Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymer
- Service Temperature Range:–40 °F to +250 °F (–40 °C to +120 °C)
- Distinguishing Features:Excellent oil, fuel, and hydrocarbon resistance
- Key Advantages:
- Outstanding sealing reliability in petroleum-based environments
- Strong mechanical strength and abrasion resistance
- Tailorable balance between flexibility and oil resistance
- Low gas permeability and good compression set retention
- Limitations:
- Poor ozone and weather resistance (requires protection)
- Limited resistance to polar solvents (ketones, esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons)
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
Connect with Our Experts
Please fill out the form and one of our team members will reach out as soon as possible.
* indicates a required field.