This section provides an overview for nitrile rubber as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 nitrile rubber manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked nitrile rubber companies as of June, 2024: 1.CGR Products, Inc., 2.Arihant Exim Corporation, 3.BRP Manufacturing Company.
What Is Nitrile Rubber?
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. NBR's oil and cold resistance vary by changing the composition of acrylonitrile and butadiene. With high nitrile NBR having high oil resistance and low nitrile NBR having excellent cold resistance.
Nitrile rubber is produced through the radical polymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene, and its physical properties can be changed by adding a third monomer such as divinylbenzene.
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber, in which a portion of NBR is hydrogenated to improve ozone and weather resistance, is also available. For example, the higher the hydrogenation ratio, the higher the Mooney viscosity and solution viscosity.
Uses of Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is also used in disposable rubber gloves for handling organic solvents in laboratory work.
Nitrile rubber is made by increasing the acrylonitrile composition to increase oil resistance, and by increasing the butadiene composition to increase cold resistance. For example, high-nitrile NBR is used for parts in the petrochemical industry that require oil resistance, while low-nitrile NBR is used for parts that require cold resistance, such as aircraft parts and cold-weather gaskets.
Nitrile Rubber Manufacturing Process
Nitrile rubber is obtained by copolymerizing acrylonitrile and butadiene. NBR is obtained by radical polymerization, and peroxide is used as a polymerization initiator.
Nitrile rubber can easily change the monomer composition in rubber by changing the amount of acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers during polymerization. A third monomer can also be incorporated into NBR by adding it during polymerization. For example, NBR with improved extrudability by introducing divinylbenzene, which acts as a cross-linking agent, and NBR with improved strength by copolymerizing isoprene has been commercialized.
Hydrogenation of Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber has double bonds in the molecule and is inferior in ozone and weather resistance. To overcome these disadvantages, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, in which the double bond is converted to a single bond by hydrogenating NBR, has been commercialized.
Note that since nitrile rubber also contains cyano groups, only the double bonds between the carbons in the main chain need to be selectively hydrogenated. For example, a metal catalyst such as palladium is used for the hydrogenation reaction. The physical properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber depend on the ratio of hydrogenated double bonds. For example, the higher the hydrogenation ratio, the higher the Mooney viscosity and solution viscosity.
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
FAQs
The main disadvantage of nitrile rubber is its poor performance when exposed to UV, general weathering and ozone. It is therefore not advisable for outdoor applications. Nitrile offers relatively poor steam resistance and an unremarkable operational temperature range of -25 °C to +100 °C.
What is the trade name for nitrile rubber? ›
Nitrile rubber, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber, NBR, Buna-N, and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, is a synthetic rubber derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Trade names include Perbunan, Nipol, Krynac and Europrene. This rubber is unusual in being resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals.
What is the difference between nitrile rubber and rubber? ›
Nitrile Pubber Properties
Unlike natural rubber, it has a superior level of resistance against synthetic and natural grease products and is highly recommended for use in areas where petroleum products are present. It can be used to provide long-lasting machinery components which might be exposed to fuel or lubricants.
Is nitrile rubber bad for the environment? ›
While latex gloves are made from a natural rubber compound and are naturally biodegradable, the same can't be said for most nitrile gloves. Traditionally, nitrile gloves have not been biodegradable, as they're made from a synthetic compound that takes many years to decompose.
Does nitrile rubber degrade over time? ›
Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is a polymer widely used in pipe fittings as a sealing and damping element. The performance of the polymer materials degrades with time and temperature.
Why is nitrile so expensive? ›
Yes, nitrile gloves are generally more expensive than latex gloves. The higher cost of nitrile gloves is primarily due to the higher cost of the raw materials used to make them. Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber derived from petroleum, whereas latex gloves are made from natural rubber, a renewable resource.
What is the raw material for nitrile rubber? ›
nitrile rubber (NBR), an oil-resistant synthetic rubber produced from a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Its main applications are in fuel hoses, gaskets, rollers, and other products in which oil resistance is required.
What is nitrile rubber widely used for? ›
The uses of nitrile rubber include disposable non-latex gloves, automotive transmission belts, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, V belts, static & dynamic hydraulic seals, synthetic leather, printer's form rollers, and as cable jacketing; NBR latex can also be used in the preparation of adhesives and as a pigment ...
What is similar to nitrile rubber? ›
Epichlorohydrin (ECO) has properties similar to nitrile rubber but with better heat, oil and petrol resistance. It has a low gas permeability and better low temperature flexibility than NBR. Its resistance to acids, alkalis and ozone is excellent.
How to tell if rubber is nitrile? ›
Another early method was to burn test the material and observe the ash, smell and burn characteristics of the material. Nitrile has a very distinct smell and if done in the office most of your colleagues will be quite upset with the lingering smell that has permeated their nostrils.
Nitrile, like natural rubber, can be attacked by ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and aldehydes.
How long does nitrile rubber last? ›
Is nitrile rubber carcinogenic? ›
COMPOSITION OF NITRILE GLOVES
Acrylonitrile is classified as a possible human carcinogen by various regulatory agencies. However, it's important to note that the actual concentration of acrylonitrile in nitrile gloves is relatively low, significantly reducing the exposure and associated risks.
What are the cons of nitrile? ›
The Cons
- Poor resistance to ozone, weather, and sunlight.
- Minimal resistance to high temperatures.
- Poor flame resistance.
However, nitrile gloves are not perfect. They don't provide protection against all chemicals, and they can actually be permeated by some substances. For example, nitrile gloves will not protect against ketones, acetates, concentrated acids, and highly corrosive chemicals.
What are the side effects of nitrile? ›
Reactions to nitrile gloves may include hives, blisters, itching, burning, and sensitivity to the sun. These symptoms usually appear one or two days after exposure. Nitrile glove wearers can also experience non-allergic irritant contact dermatitis, the symptoms of which include blisters, lesions, ulcers, and dry skin.
