Helsingin Kumi Oy

Rubber products for all industrial needs

Helsingin Kumi Oy

Rubber products for all industrial needs

nitrile rubber

Nitrile rubber – A versatile specialty material for industry for oil and chemical resistance

Nitrile rubber (also known as nitrile butadiene rubber – NBR or buna-N) is a synthetic elastomer that combines acrylonitrile and butadiene molecules  Development in the 1930s provided an alternative to natural rubber, especially for oily and chemically demanding environments .

Chemical properties

The special features of nitrile rubber are:

  • Excellent oil and fuel resistance, due to high acrylonitrile content

  • Wide temperature range approximately −40 °C…+100…120 °C, making it usable in both cold and warm conditions

  • Good chemical resistance against acids, bases and solvents, among others

  • Mechanical strength and wear resistance: tensile strength (~200–3500 psi) and tear resistance (100–650%)

Mechanical properties and electrical insulation

  • The hardness varies from approximately 20 to 95 Shore A.

  • Very good electrical insulation capacity, which is suitable for electrical and sealing components

  • Impact resistance and vibration damping making it a popular choice for e.g. gums and patinas

Applications

Nitrile rubber is versatile, especially in the following areas:

  1. Auto industry: In oil, fuel and hydraulic hoses, O-rings, seals

  2. Aviation and industry: In fuel and oil systems, seals, pressure pipes .

  3. Rubber sheets and seals: In industrial environments, against impacts, chemicals

  4. Food and pharmaceutical industry: Food grade (e.g. food-certified NBR 60 Shore A, –35…+110 °C)

  5. Chemical, oil and gas industry: Well suited for hoses, seals and cabling .

  6. General workshop products and rubbers: In mattress inserts, floor mats, industrial groups — good mechanical resistance .

Advantages and limitations

Benefits

  • Excellent resistance to oils, fuels and solvents

  • High tensile strength and tear resistance

  • Good electrical insulation and wear resistance .

  • Economical compared to high chemical resistance materials such as fluoroelastomers (FKM)

Trammels

  • Poor azosphere and UV resistance — not suitable for long-term outdoor use .

  • Limited thermal limits – Cannot withstand continuous temperatures above +120 °C

  • Not well suited for chlorinated or ester solvents (swells)

Special editions

  • HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile): Better heat and ozone resistance

  • XNBR (carboxylated nitrile): Better wear resistance and strength.

Aptitude Helsingin Kumi Oyfor customers of

Helsingin Kumi Oy a wide range of nitrile rubber sheets (e.g. NBR/SBR-35035) that are resistant to oils, greases and chemicals as well as temperature cycles (–30…+90 °C)These are particularly suitable for:

  • For industrial facilities with oil and chemical tanks,

  • For seals, O-rings and protective coatings,

  • For applications experiencing temperature fluctuations, such as machine seals.

Summary

Nitrile rubber is a reliable material for applications with oils, chemicals and mechanical stress. Its mechanical resistance, wide temperature range and electrical insulation make it an ideal solution for industrial and automotive applications. Despite its limitations, the right choice (e.g. HNBR or XNBR versions) can also solve the problems of higher UV light and chemical stress.

If you would like to discuss the most suitable nitrile rubber product for your use, please contact us – we will help with selection and sizing!

Why choose Helsingin Kumi Oy?

Helsingin Kumi Oy is a well-known supplier of high-quality rubber products, whose range also includes durable and custom-made products rubber matsExpert staff provide personalized advice and support, ensuring you get exactly the right solution for your needs.

We cut according to the measurements. Contact Us to our experts.

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