Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is selected when a rubber compound must operate around oils, fuels, greases or other hydrocarbon-based media. The right grade is chosen by balancing fluid resistance, low-temperature flexibility, processing behaviour and finished-part performance.
Why manufacturers choose NBR
- Oil and fuel resistance: a practical starting point for seals, hoses, gaskets and moulded components exposed to hydrocarbon media.
- Adjustable performance balance: acrylonitrile content influences the trade-off between oil resistance and low-temperature flexibility.
- Established processing routes: NBR can be compounded for moulding, extrusion, calendering and other conventional rubber processes.
- Application-driven selection: grade choice should reflect the actual fluid, temperature range, pressure, movement and service life.
- Documented sourcing: producer TDS, SDS and batch COA can be reviewed before a trial order is approved.
Available NBR grade
Linwell coordinates NBR supply for small and mid-sized rubber manufacturers. Producer origin, packaging, documentation and current availability are confirmed with each quotation rather than assumed from the grade name alone.
| Grade | Typical positioning | Common applications | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBR 3345 | General oil-resistant nitrile rubber grade; producer-specific properties must be checked | Seals, gaskets, oil and fuel hoses, rollers and moulded rubber parts | Producer TDS, batch COA, acrylonitrile range, Mooney range, packaging and trial result |
Typical applications
Seals and gaskets
Used where elastomer components contact lubricants, hydraulic fluids or fuels; compatibility must be checked against the exact medium.
Hoses and flexible parts
Suitable for compounds designed for oil-transfer, fuel-system or industrial hose service, subject to reinforcement and finished-hose testing.
Rollers and moulded goods
Applied in printing, industrial handling and mechanical parts where oil resistance and controlled hardness are important.
How to select and qualify the material
Define the operating environment and the production process before comparing suppliers. A useful request includes the finished product, service conditions, current material, critical raw-material controls, trial plan and commercial quantity.
| Decision input | What to provide or verify | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Service medium | Identify the exact oil, fuel, grease, additive package or chemical mixture | Chemical compatibility cannot be inferred from the word ‘oil’ alone |
| Temperature range | State continuous and short-duration minimum and maximum temperatures | The fluid-resistance and flexibility balance changes with temperature |
| Finished-part duty | Define pressure, compression, movement, abrasion and expected service life | A polymer grade is only one part of the compound and component design |
| Processing route | Share moulding, extrusion, calendering or mixing constraints | Mooney viscosity and formulation affect handling and productivity |
| Approval evidence | Request TDS, SDS, batch COA and a representative sample | Documents and a controlled trial reduce substitution risk |
Documents buyers should request
- TDS: current producer specification, declared characteristics and test methods.
- SDS: handling, storage, transport and safety information for the offered material.
- Batch COA: reported results and lot identity for the supplied batch.
- Origin and traceability: producer, country of origin, lot number, bale labels and packaging information.
- Commercial confirmation: quantity, lead time, Incoterm, shipment plan and document timing.
Packaging, storage and lot control
Confirm bale weight, wrapping, palletisation, lot traceability, storage guidance and shipping schedule on the quotation. Keep each incoming lot identified and stored away from heat, sunlight, moisture and contamination according to the producer’s instructions.
Quality and trial guidance
For qualification, record the producer, grade, lot number, receipt date, COA values, storage history, mixing conditions, cure data and finished-part test results. Maintain the same test method when comparing lots or suppliers.
Prepare your inquiry
Send the service medium, temperature range, application, annual or trial quantity and required documentation. Linwell will confirm the available NBR option and the information needed for a controlled evaluation.