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Nitrile Butadiene Rubber

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), also known as Buna-N, is a type of synthetic rubber that is widely used for its resistance to oils, chemicals, and abrasion.

Oil Resistance
NBR rubber is highly resistant to oils, fuels, and other petroleum-based fluids. This makes it an ideal material for use in gaskets, seals, and other applications where resistance to oils is critical.
Temperature Resistance
NBR rubber has good temperature resistance, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 120°C.
Chemical Resistance
NBR rubber has good resistance to a variety of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and some solvents.
Abrasion Resistance
NBR rubber has good resistance to abrasion and wear, making it ideal for use in heavy-duty applications.
Low Compression Set
NBR rubber has a low compression set, meaning it can maintain its shape and properties over time.
Flexibility
NBR rubber is flexible and can be easily molded and shaped into a variety of products.

Pros:

  • Good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals
  • Excellent mechanical properties, including good tear resistance and tensile strength
  • High resistance to abrasion and wear
  • Good low-temperature flexibility
  • Good resistance to water and steam
  • High resistance to compression set
  • Relatively low cost compared to other types of rubber

Cons:

  • Poor resistance to ozone and UV radiation
  • Poor electrical insulation properties
  • Limited resistance to high temperatures
  • Can become brittle over time when exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals
  • Not recommended for use with polar solvents, ketones, and esters

NBR (Nitrile) vs. SBR

Chemical Resistance
NBR rubber has better resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals than SBR rubber. SBR rubber is not recommended for use with oils and solvents.
Temperature Range
NBR rubber has better heat resistance than SBR rubber. NBR can withstand temperatures up to 120°C, while SBR has a limited temperature range of -40°C to 100°C.
Compression Set
NBR rubber has better compression set resistance than SBR rubber, meaning it can better retain its shape after being compressed.
Abrasion Resistance
SBR rubber generally has slightly better abrasion resistance than NBR rubber, but both rubbers have excellent abrasion resistance.
Cost
SBR rubber is less expensive than NBR rubber, making it a popular choice for applications where cost is a significant factor.

NBR rubber is a better choice for applications that require good abrasion resistance, as well as resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals, and higher temperature resistance. SBR rubber is a better choice for applications that require good abrasion resistance and mechanical properties at a lower cost.

NBR (Nitrile) vs. EPDM

Chemical Resistance
EPDM rubber has better chemical resistance than NBR rubber, particularly against acids, bases, water, and ozone. NBR rubber, on the other hand, has better resistance to oils and fuels.
Temperature Range
EPDM rubber can withstand a wider range of temperatures than NBR rubber. EPDM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C, while NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
EPDM rubber has excellent physical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and excellent elongation properties, while NBR rubber has good physical properties such as high abrasion resistance and good oil resistance.
Electrical Insulation
EPDM rubber has better electrical insulation properties than NBR rubber, making it suitable for electrical applications.

EPDM rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent weather resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation, while NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good oil and abrasion resistance.

NBR (Nitrile) vs. NR (Natural)

Chemical Resistance
NBR rubber has better resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals than NR rubber, while NR rubber has better resistance to acids and bases.
Electrical Insulation
NR rubber has better electrical insulation properties than NBR rubber, making it suitable for electrical applications.
Physical Properties
NR rubber has good physical properties such as high elasticity, good tear resistance, and high tensile strength, while NBR rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as good tear resistance, high tensile strength, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.
Temperature Range
NBR rubber can withstand a wider range of temperatures than NR rubber. NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C, while NR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -55°C to +80°C.

NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, a wider temperature range, and abrasion resistance, while NR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good elasticity, good tear resistance, and good electrical insulation properties.

NBR (Nitrile) vs. CR (Neoprene)

Chemical Resistance
NBR rubber has better resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals than CR rubber, while CR rubber has better resistance to ozone, weathering, and some acids.
Temperature Range
Both NBR and CR have a rough temperature range from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
CR rubber has good physical properties such as good tear resistance, good compression set, and good resilience, while NBR rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.
Flame Resistance
CR rubber has good flame resistance, making it suitable for applications where fire resistance is important, while NBR rubber is less flame-resistant.

NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, and high mechanical properties, while CR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good ozone and weather resistance, good compression set, and good flame resistance.

NBR (Nitrile) vs. FKM (Viton)

Chemical Resistance
FKM and NBR both have great resistance to chemicals, fuels, oils, and solvents, but FKM has a high electronegative electron field, and therefore, tends to perform better in all of these categories.
Temperature Range
FKM rubber can handle higher temperatures than NBR rubber. FKM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -20°C to +250°C, while NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
FKM rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to compression set, while NBR rubber has good physical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
FKM rubber has better resistance to ozone, UV radiation, and weathering than NBR rubber
Cost
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than NBR rubber, making it a less cost-effective option for certain applications.

FKM rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and environmental factors such as ozone and UV radiation, while NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, solvents, and low temperatures. Cost and availability may also be factors in deciding which material to use.

NBR vs. MQ (Silicone)

Chemical Resistance
MQ rubber has better resistance to chemicals, solvents, and water than NBR rubber, while NBR rubber has better resistance to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
MQ rubber has better resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and ozone than NBR rubber.
Physical Properties
MQ rubber has excellent physical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and good compression set, while NBR rubber has good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.
Temperature Range
MQ rubber can handle higher temperatures than NBR rubber. MQ rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -60°C to +200°C, while NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.

MQ rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, solvents, and environmental factors such as weathering, UV radiation, and ozone, while NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons.