NBR — Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber

Nitrile Rubber

Nitrile is the go-to elastomer for oil, fuel, and hydrocarbon sealing. We stock NBR sheet rubber in standard, moulded, foam, insert-reinforced, and FDA-approved white grades (30–90 Shore A hardness, 0.5–12 mm thicknesses) for petrochemical, automotive, and general industrial gasket applications.

At a Glance

Temperature Range

-40 °C to +100 °C continuous (medium-ACN); +120 °C intermittent peak; low-ACN grades to -55 °C with reduced oil resistance

Thickness Range

0.5 mm to 25 mm

Hardness Range

30–90 Shore A

Brands We Stock

ReglinPacific Rubber
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Technical Properties

Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.

Temperature Range-40 °C to +100 °C continuous (medium-ACN, 28–35%); +120 °C intermittent peak. Low-ACN to -55 °C with reduced oil resistance; high-ACN (≥40%) limited to -20 °C lower
Hardness (ASTM D2240)30–90 Shore A
Tensile Strength (ASTM D412)5–20 MPa
Elongation at Break (ASTM D412)200–600%
Compression Set (ASTM D395)15–40%. 22 h @ 100 °C
Tear Strength (ASTM D624)20–60 kN/m
Specific Gravity (ASTM D792)1.15–1.45
Thickness Range0.5–25 mm stocked
ASTM D2000 ClassificationBF / BG (NBR); DH / CH (HNBR variants)
Oil Resistance (ASTM D471)ASTM Oils 1, 2, 3. Excellent at ≥33% ACN; low-ACN grades show >25% volume swell vs IRM 903
FDA AvailableYes. White, 21 CFR 177.2600
ACN Content Range18–50%. Higher ACN improves oil resistance but reduces low-temperature flexibility and increases compression set
Ozone / UV ResistancePoor. Standard NBR cracks under ozone or sustained UV; specify CR or EPDM for outdoor service
Steam ResistanceLimited. NBR hydrolyses in saturated steam above ~80 °C; specify EPDM (peroxide-cured) for steam service
Potable Water (AS/NZS 4020)Not approved. Specify EPDM for Australian potable water service

Common Applications

  • Oil and fuel system gaskets and seals
  • Hydraulic cylinder seals and packings
  • Petrochemical flange gaskets
  • Automotive engine and transmission gaskets
  • Fuel tank linings and diaphragms
  • Pneumatic system seals
  • Food processing gaskets (FDA white grade)
  • Printing roller covers
  • Compressed air system seals
  • General industrial oil-resistant gaskets

Available Grades

Brands we stock: Reglin, Pacific Rubber

Standard NBR (60 Shore A)

General-purpose black nitrile sheet with excellent resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. Our highest-volume nitrile grade for industrial sealing.

Moulded NBR (Multiple Durometers)

Precision-moulded nitrile sheet available in 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 Shore A hardnesses. Tighter tolerances and more consistent properties than calendered sheet.

NBR Foam / Sponge

Closed-cell nitrile foam for oil-resistant cushioning, insulation, and low-pressure sealing where conformability to uneven surfaces is required.

NBR Insert-Reinforced

Nitrile bonded to nylon fabric plies for improved tear resistance and dimensional stability in large-format gaskets and diaphragm applications.

NBR FDA White

Food Safe

Food-safe white nitrile formulated to meet FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 requirements. Offers oil resistance in food and beverage processing environments where EPDM is not suitable.

Related Resources

Chemical Compatibility

Check nitrile resistance to specific chemicals and media.

Sheet Rubber Selection

Compare NBR against other rubber compounds side by side.

Shore Hardness Guide

Understand durometer scales and what hardness means in practice.

Related Materials

EPDM Neoprene (CR) Viton (FKM)

Need Nitrile Rubber?

We supply nitrile rubber in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.

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Disclaimer

This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.