NBR stands for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, a widely used synthetic rubber made by the copolymerization of Acrylonitrile (AN) and Butadiene (BD).
It is well known for its excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and many chemicals, which makes it ideal for industrial and automotive applications.
The acrylonitrile content determines its oil resistance—the higher the content, the better the resistance but with reduced flexibility at low temperatures.
NBR also has good mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, making it durable in demanding environments.
It can operate in a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to 120°C, depending on formulation.
However, it is not very resistant to ozone, sunlight (UV), and weathering, which may require protective additives or coatings.
In the automotive industry, NBR is used for O-rings, seals, gaskets, and fuel hoses.
It is also used in oil-resistant conveyor belts, gloves for chemical handling, and various molded products.
NBR can be blended with other rubbers to adjust flexibility, hardness, and resistance properties for specific applications.
Because of its balance of cost-effectiveness, performance, and versatility, NBR remains one of the most important synthetic rubbers in modern manufacturing.