Nitrile/butadiene rubber is called by many names like NBR and Buna-N, yet they all describe the same elastomer. Produced in 1934, the synthetic nitrile material is one of the first man-made elastomers. More than 70 years later, nitrile rubber is still one of the most used types of rubber, especially in the automotive industry. Frankly, the general rubber industry is a by-product of developments in rubber’s biggest market which has always been the automotive industry. Automotive demands help fuel most developments in elastomers, and nitrile is no exception. The lasting significance of NBR can be attributed to the combination of its physical and chemical properties along with the economic value of the material, especially in the form of NBR sheets. There is no other rubber out there which is as chemically resistant as nbr; this is what sets it apart from other synthetics.

As with any other type of elastomer, nitrile rubber possesses the essential traits of rubber like flexibility and compressibility; however, it excels in applications where there is any kind of chemical exposure. Take a look at some of nitrile butadiene rubber’s more notable chemical resistances:

• Gasoline: The distinguishing property of the synthetic nitrile material is its resistance to gasoline and other fuels. When other elastomers (i.e., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene) make contact with gasoline, they bubble up and deform significantly. NBR handles gas much better when exposed to the chemical and this is a major reason why it is preferred in automotive applications.
• Petroleum-based oils: Diesel and paraffin oil (kerosene) are examples of petroleum-based oils. Just like gasoline, they are known to deform elastomers such as silicone and chloroprene. While these materials have their own helpful set of properties, such as performance in extreme temperatures and general-purpose uses respectively, they are poor when it comes to resisting petroleum-based oils. So, if you’ve got a project where these substances will be present, it’d be a wise decision to instead use Nitrile butadiene rubber, for these substances have no affect on it and won’t deform the materials. This is an important characteristic, since these substances can be found in many industrial applications.
• Animal fats and greases: For mechanical systems subject to the exposure of fats, greases and other food byproducts, NBR is used as a gasket and/or seal, which are cut or extruded from NBR sheets. These are incredibly important products, for they prevent the leaking of harmful gases and liquids within machinery. In food processing factories and commercial restaurants it is not uncommon to find a nitrile safety mat under the shuffling feet of workers. For example, fryer stations rubber mats, usually red, are generally made from this resilient rubber.
• Natural gas: This gas is an essential, naturally-occurring energy source that is used in everything from providing energy for power plants to fueling your stovetop. With the earth’s supply of oil dwindling, countries are segueing into the use of natural gas in transportation. In order to accommodate this shift, gas-resistant nitrile will be needed to replace certain parts in machinery.

There are many other desirable qualities of Nitrile rubber that go beyond chemical resistances. Make sure to inquire, whether it be for sheeting, flooring, or a more-unique kind of product. Synthetic nitrile is essentially the go-to rubber when and where fuels, oils and grease are present. There are countless uses for NBR sheets alone, as they can be cut and customized to just about any two-dimensional shape! They are used heavily in industrial machinery and equipment. The elastomer is also resistant to a long list of other specific chemicals that are unique to particular applications. You will not find another synthetic elastomer with such a list of chemical resistances. For such applications, contact your trusted sheet rubber distributor for more information!