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Sealing material

NBR (Nitrile)

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber — the workhorse oil and fuel seal — best value for hydraulics and petroleum service.

The most widely used sealing elastomer for petroleum oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids — good strength and abrasion resistance at low cost.

Service temp -40°F to +250°F (-40°C to +120°C)

Overview

What nitrile is best at

NBR (nitrile/Buna-N) is the standard for petroleum oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids, with good mechanical strength and abrasion resistance at low cost. Performance shifts with acrylonitrile content — higher ACN improves oil resistance but worsens cold flexibility. Its weaknesses are poor ozone/weather resistance and a modest upper temperature limit.

Standout resistanceOil & fuelAbrasionAlso strong inHeatLow temperatureWater & steamCompression set
Continuous service temp-40°F to +250°F (-40°C to +120°C)
Hardness40–90 Shore A
Tensile strength1,500–3,000 psi
HeatFair–Good
Low temperatureFair–Good
Ozone & weatherPoor
Oil & fuelExcellent
AcidsFair
Solvents / ketonesFair
Water & steamGood
AbrasionGood–Excellent
Compression setGood

Typical published ranges — final properties depend on the specific ARC compound, cure system and fillers. Request a compound-specific data sheet for design values.

Where it's used

Typical applications by industry

Automotive

Fuel-system and engine-oil seals, O-rings, fuel-line grommets.

Oil & Gas

Hydraulic and pump seals, rod and piston seals for oil service.

Agriculture

Hydraulic cylinder seals, fuel and lubricant O-rings on equipment.

Industrial Hydraulics

Rod seals, wipers and gaskets in oil-based systems.

Choose nitrile when

  • Petroleum oil, fuel or hydraulic-fluid sealing on a budget
  • Dynamic seals needing good abrasion resistance in enclosed service

Consider an alternative when

  • Ozone, UV or outdoor exposure → EPDM, neoprene or HNBR
  • Higher heat or longer oil life → HNBR or FKM

Design references for nitrile

Material Selection Guide →Compare nitrile against other elastomers for your temperature and chemistry.Chemical Compatibility →Check nitrile resistance ratings across hundreds of media.RMA Tolerance Chart →Standard molding and extrusion tolerance classes for spec.

Need nitrile parts to spec?

Send your service conditions or drawing — our engineers will confirm the right nitrile compound and a path to production.

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