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Send EmailNitrile Butadiene Rubber, Nitrile Rubber, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber, Buna-N, NBR, 9003-18-3
NITRILE RUBBER (NBR)
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber / Nitrile Rubber / NBR / Buna-N / Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber
CAS Number: 9003-18-3
EINECS: 618-396-4
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) |
| Other Names | Nitrile Rubber, Buna-N, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber, NBR |
| CAS Number | 9003-18-3 |
| EINECS | 618-396-4 |
| Molecular Formula | (C₃H₃N)ₓ(C₄H₆)ᵧ |
| Molecular Weight | Variable (depends on degree of polymerization and acrylonitrile content) |
| Chemical Class | Synthetic rubber (copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene) |
| Appearance | Solid (bales) or viscous liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic rubber odor |
| Density | 1.00 - 1.20 g/cm³ (depending on acrylonitrile content) |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | -40°C to +5°C (depending on acrylonitrile content) |
| Service Temperature Range | -40°C to +108°C |
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber produced by the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers. The acrylonitrile content typically ranges from 18% to 50%, which determines the rubber's properties—particularly oil resistance and low-temperature flexibility. NBR is well-known for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals, making it widely used in automotive, industrial, aerospace, and consumer applications. It is produced by emulsion polymerization. Compared to natural rubber, NBR has lower flexibility but offers superior oil and solvent resistance.
2. CLASSIFICATION BY ACRYLONITRILE CONTENT
| Type | Acrylonitrile Content | Properties | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Nitrile | 18-25% | Good low-temperature flexibility, moderate oil resistance | Cold weather applications, general purpose |
| Medium Nitrile | 26-35% | Balanced oil resistance and flexibility | Automotive seals, hoses, fuel systems |
| High Nitrile | 36-40% | Excellent oil and solvent resistance | Petroleum products, chemical resistance applications |
| Very High Nitrile | 41-50% | Maximum oil and chemical resistance, low flexibility | Extreme chemical environments, specialty applications |
Typical NBR Grades and Properties:
| Grade | Acrylonitrile Content | Mooney Viscosity | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBR 18 | ~18% | Medium | Cold weather seals, low-temperature applications |
| NBR 26 | ~26% | Medium | General automotive seals, hoses |
| NBR 33 | ~33% | Medium/High | Fuel systems, oil seals, industrial rollers |
| NBR 40 | ~40% | High | Petroleum products, chemical resistance, extreme environments |
3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Typical Properties:
| Parameter | NBR 18 | NBR 26 | NBR 33 | NBR 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile Content | 18% ± 2 | 26% ± 2 | 33% ± 2 | 40% ± 2 |
| Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4, 100°C) | 40-50 MU | 45-55 MU | 50-65 MU | 55-70 MU |
| Density (g/cm³) | ~1.00 | ~1.02 | ~1.04 | ~1.08 |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | -40°C | -35°C | -25°C | -15°C |
| Service Temperature Range | -45°C to +100°C | -40°C to +105°C | -30°C to +108°C | -20°C to +108°C |
| Oil Resistance | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Poor |
| Tensile Strength (vulcanized) | 15-20 MPa | 18-22 MPa | 20-25 MPa | 20-25 MPa |
| Elongation at Break (vulcanized) | 400-600% | 400-600% | 350-500% | 300-450% |
4. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.00 - 1.20 g/cm³ (depending on acrylonitrile content) |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | -40°C to +5°C (depending on acrylonitrile content) |
| Service Temperature Range | -40°C to +108°C |
| Tensile Strength (vulcanized) | 15-25 MPa (depending on formulation) |
| Elongation at Break (vulcanized) | 300-600% (depending on formulation) |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent (increases with AN content) |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent (increases with AN content) |
| Ozone Resistance | Poor (requires antioxidants/antiozonants) |
| Weather Resistance | Poor |
| Water Resistance | Good |
| Flexibility | Decreases with increasing AN content |
| Electrical Insulation | Moderate |
5. ADVANTAGES OF NBR
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Oil Resistance | Superior resistance to mineral, vegetable, and animal oils |
| Excellent Fuel Resistance | Resistant to gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products |
| Broad Chemical Resistance | Resistant to acids, bases, salts, and many solvents |
| Good Mechanical Properties | High tensile strength and abrasion resistance |
| Wide Temperature Range | Usable from -40°C to +108°C |
| Versatile | Properties can be tailored by varying acrylonitrile content |
| Cost-Effective | Competitive pricing compared to natural rubber and other synthetic rubbers |
6. LIMITATIONS
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Poor Ozone Resistance | Not resistant to ozone and weathering; requires antioxidants/antiozonants |
| Poor Weather Resistance | Degrades under UV and atmospheric conditions |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility | Decreases with increasing acrylonitrile content |
| Polar Solvent Resistance | Not resistant to polar solvents such as ketones, esters, acetone, MEK |
| Poor High-Temperature Resistance | Can degrade under prolonged high-temperature exposure |
| Poor Electrical Insulation | Not suitable for electrical applications |
7. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES
7.1. Automotive Industry (Largest Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuel Hoses | Hoses carrying gasoline, diesel, and biofuels |
| Oil Hoses | Hoses for engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic oil |
| Seals and Gaskets | Engine gaskets, crankshaft seals, valve stem seals |
| O-Rings | O-rings in fuel, oil, and hydraulic systems |
| Fuel Pump Diaphragms | Diaphragms used in fuel pumps |
| Air Brake Hoses | Air brake systems in heavy-duty vehicles |
7.2. Industrial Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Hoses | High-pressure hydraulic systems |
| Conveyor Belts | Oil-resistant conveyor belts |
| Rollers | Industrial roller coverings |
| Gaskets and Packers | Seals used in the oil and gas industry |
| Vibration Dampening Parts | Vibration and noise insulation |
7.3. Consumer Products
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical-Resistant Gloves | Industrial and medical gloves (oil and chemical resistant) |
| Shoe Soles | Oil-resistant shoe soles |
| Rubber Bands | Oil and chemical-resistant bands |
| Sports Equipment | Some sports equipment |
7.4. Adhesives and Sealants
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Adhesives | Adhesive formulations due to strong bonding properties |
| Sealants | Oil and chemical-resistant sealants |
7.5. Oil and Gas Industry
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Oil Well Seals | Seals used in petroleum and gas production |
| Packers | Downhole packer elements |
| Hoses | Petroleum transfer hoses |
7.6. Aerospace Industry
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuel System Seals | Seals used in aircraft fuel systems |
| Hydraulic Seals | Seals used in aircraft hydraulic systems |
8. COMPARISON WITH OTHER RUBBER TYPES
| Property | NBR | SBR | Natural Rubber (NR) | EPDM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Ozone Resistance | Poor | Poor | Poor | Excellent |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Tensile Strength | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Poor | Good |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | Variable | Moderate |
9. CARBOXYLATED NBR (XNBR)
Carboxylated NBR (XNBR) is a modified NBR containing carboxyl groups. XNBR offers higher tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance compared to standard NBR.
| Property | XNBR | NBR |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Higher | Standard |
| Tear Resistance | Higher | Standard |
| Abrasion Resistance | Higher | Standard |
| Oil Resistance | Similar | Excellent |
| Vulcanization | More complex | Standard |
XNBR is preferred in applications requiring high strength (e.g., abrasive belts, roller coverings).
10. PACKAGING AND SHIPPING
| Packaging Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Bale Weight | 33.33 kg or 35 kg |
| Bale Dimensions | ~70 cm x 35 cm x 18 cm |
| Pallet Configuration | 36 bales/pallet = 1.26 MT |
| Pallet Type | Wooden pallet, shrink-wrapped |
| Container Capacity (20-ft) | 16 pallets = 20.16 MT |
| Container Type | Standard 20-ft container |
11. STORAGE AND HANDLING
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; away from direct sunlight |
| Recommended Temperature | Below 25°C |
| Humidity | Avoid high humidity to prevent mold growth |
| Shelf Life | 12-24 months under proper storage conditions |
| Handling | Avoid contamination with oils, solvents, and dirt |
| Protection | Keep bales covered and protected from moisture and dust |
| Stacking | Maximum 4-5 pallets high for stable storage |
12. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritant (dust) |
| Inhalation | May cause respiratory irritation (dust) |
| Flammability | Combustible (can burn) |
| Fire Extinguishing Media | Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Special Hazards | Burning produces toxic fumes (CO, CO₂, HCN) |
13. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move person to fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed. |
14. REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; requires registration |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| Canada (DSL) | Listed |
| Australia (AICS) | Listed |
| Japan (ENCS) | Listed |
| Korea (KECL) | Listed |
| China (IECSC) | Listed |
Regulatory Status:
| Status | Information |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 40024900 |
| CAS Number | 9003-18-3 |
| EINECS | 618-396-4 |
| IARC Classification | Not classified |
| WGK Germany | 1 (slight hazard to water) |
15. OTHER NAMES AND DATABASE IDENTIFIERS
| Category | Names / Identifiers |
|---|---|
| Product Names | Nitrile Rubber, NBR, Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber |
| Trade Names | Buna-N, Perbunan, Krynac, Nipol, Europrene N |
| Grade Names | NBR 18, NBR 26, NBR 33, NBR 40, XNBR |
| Common Names | Nitrile Rubber, NBR, Buna-N |
Database Identifiers:
| Database | Identifier |
|---|---|
| CAS | 9003-18-3 |
| EINECS | 618-396-4 |
| HS Code | 40024900 |
16. GRADE SELECTION GUIDE
| Application | Recommended NBR Type | Recommended AN Content |
|---|---|---|
| General Automotive Seals | Medium Nitrile | 26-33% |
| Fuel Hoses | High Nitrile | 33-40% |
| Low-Temperature Applications | Low Nitrile | 18-25% |
| Chemical Resistance | High Nitrile | 36-50% |
| Oil Seals | Medium/High Nitrile | 30-38% |
| Hydraulic Hoses | Medium Nitrile | 28-33% |
| Petroleum Product Seals | High Nitrile | 36-45% |
17. INDUSTRY SUITABILITY TABLE
| Industry | Applications | Recommended Grade | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Fuel hoses, seals, O-rings | NBR 33, NBR 40 | High |
| Oil and Gas | Oil well seals, packers | NBR 40 | High |
| Aerospace | Fuel system seals | NBR 40 | High |
| Industrial | Hydraulic hoses, rollers, conveyor belts | NBR 26, NBR 33 | High |
| Consumer Products | Chemical-resistant gloves, oil-resistant shoe soles | NBR 26, NBR 33 | High |
| Adhesives | Adhesive and sealant formulations | NBR latex | Suitable |
18. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF NBR
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Excellent oil resistance | Poor ozone resistance |
| Excellent fuel resistance | Poor weather resistance |
| Broad chemical resistance | Poor resistance to polar solvents (acetone, MEK) |
| Good tensile strength | Low flexibility at high nitrile content |
| Good abrasion resistance | Poor electrical insulation |
| Wide temperature range | Stiffens at low temperatures |
| Versatile (AN content adjustable) | Degrades under prolonged high-temperature exposure |
19. NBR VULCANIZATION SYSTEMS
| Vulcanization System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur Vulcanization | Low cost, good mechanical properties | Low heat resistance |
| Peroxide Vulcanization | High heat resistance, low compression set | Higher cost, more difficult processing |
| Resin Vulcanization | High heat and chemical resistance | Limited use |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
SUMMARY:
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber produced by the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Acrylonitrile content ranges from 18-50% and determines properties: NBR 18 (low nitrile, excellent low-temperature flexibility), NBR 26 (medium nitrile, balanced), NBR 33 (high nitrile, excellent oil resistance), and NBR 40 (very high nitrile, maximum oil and chemical resistance). NBR is known for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals. It is used in automotive (fuel hoses, seals, O-rings), industrial (hydraulic hoses, rollers), aerospace, oil and gas, consumer products (chemical-resistant gloves), and adhesives. NBR is non-toxic, combustible, and requires storage in cool, dry conditions. HS Code: 40024900.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Solid (bales) |
| CAS Number | 9003-18-3 |
| Density | 1.00 - 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Acrylonitrile Content | 18-50% |
| Glass Transition Temperature | -40°C to +5°C |
| Primary Grades | NBR 18, NBR 26, NBR 33, NBR 40 |
| Primary Use | Automotive, industrial, oil and gas |
Major Application Areas:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Fuel hoses, seals, O-rings |
| Industrial | Hydraulic hoses, rollers, conveyor belts |
| Oil and Gas | Oil well seals, packers |
| Aerospace | Fuel system seals |
| Consumer Products | Chemical-resistant gloves, oil-resistant shoe soles |
Key Safety Points:
-
NON-TOXIC: Generally safe for handling
-
COMBUSTIBLE: Can burn; keep away from ignition sources
-
STORAGE: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
-
PPE RECOMMENDED: Dust mask, safety goggles, protective gloves (for handling)
-
PROTECT: Keep away from oils, solvents, and contaminants
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
NBR is known as "oil-resistant rubber" due to its excellent oil, fuel, and chemical resistance. As acrylonitrile (AN) content increases, oil resistance improves, but low-temperature flexibility decreases.
-
Selecting the correct AN content is critical. Use NBR 18 (low AN) for low-temperature applications and NBR 40 (high AN) for applications requiring high oil resistance.
-
NBR has poor resistance to ozone and weathering. Antioxidants and antiozonants are mandatory for outdoor applications.
-
NBR has poor resistance to polar solvents such as ketones, esters, acetone, and MEK. Contact with these solvents should be avoided.
-
NBR can be used between -40°C and +108°C. Prolonged exposure at high temperatures can cause degradation.
-
Carboxylated NBR (XNBR) offers higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance compared to standard NBR.
-
NBR has lower flexibility compared to natural rubber but offers superior oil and solvent resistance.
-
NBR can be vulcanized with sulfur, peroxide, or resin systems. Selection depends on application requirements.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
