Nitrile

Nitrile, or NBR is a family of unsaturated copolymers of 2-propenenitrile and various butadienemonomers (1,2-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene).

Properties

The properties vary depending on the ACN content which ranges between 18% and 50%.

Although its physical and chemical properties vary depending on the polymer’s composition of NBR, this form of synthetic rubber is unusual in being generally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals (the more NBR within the polymer, the higher the resistance to oils but the lower the flexibility of the material).

Compatibility

This form of synthetic rubber is generally resistant to oil, fuel, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and other chemicals.

Nitrile, like natural rubber, can be attacked by ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and aldehydes. Nitrile rubber however is more resistance than natural rubber to oils and acids, but has inferior strength and flexibility.

Applications

It is used in the automotive and aeronautical industry to make fuel and oil handling hoses, seals, and grommets. It is also used to create moulded goods, adhesives and sealants.