Acrylonitrile Butadiene (400259)
Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, or nitrile rubber for short, is a copolymer consisting of acrylonitrile and butadiene. This material is cured using peroxides or sulfur-accelerator systems. The former result in especially heat-resistant products.
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NBR contains polar nitrile side groups on the polymer backbone. These do not interact to any extent with non-polar liquids such as petrol, oil and lubricants, and so the material is not susceptible to swelling in these media. ​Therefore, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber differs from other rubbers through its media resistance.
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The more acrylonitrile the rubber contains, the better its resistance to chemicals such as mineral oils and fuels and to hot water. By contrast, the low-temperature flexibility and elasticity fall. Other benefits of NBR are its good mechanical performance profile and low gas permeability.
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Nitrile rubber is non-sparking because of its low static charge, so it is commonly used for hydraulic hoses, fuel lines, seals and O-rings in oil-lubricated machines. Another important area of use is oil and gas exploration.
Properties
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Media resistance/chemical resistance to mineral oils, fuels, lubricants, alcohols and vegetable and animal fats and oils
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Abrasion resistance
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Good mechanical properties
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Low gas permeability
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Relatively low elasticity (lower than that of SBR or NR)
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Thermal application range, depending on compound formulation: -50 to +100°C (up to 130°C for short periods)
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Good electrical conductivity because of its polarity
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Swells in mixtures of ketones, esters and other polar solvents
