NBR (Nitrile) O-rings
-30 °C to 100 °C
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is the most widespread elastomer for O-rings. Excellent resistance to mineral oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. An economical choice for most standard applications.
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Temperature and chemical compatibility
Temperature and chemical compatibility
Temperature range: -30 °C to +100 °C (short-term up to +120 °C).
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Typical applications: hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic systems, pumps, gearboxes, fuel pumps, automotive industry, general engineering.
NBR (Nitrile)
Each elastomer has different mechanical and chemical properties.
NBR (Nitrile) — properties and applications
NBR (nitrile rubber) is the most widely used and most affordable material for O-rings — for most engineering operations it is the standard first choice, with a reference price of 1×. It works in a temperature range of −30 to +100 °C (briefly up to +120 °C) and its typical hardness is 70 ShA, which makes it a universal sealing element for ordinary conditions. It's a reliable workhorse that covers the vast majority of standard seals without any needless overpaying.
NBR shows its strength with petroleum-based substances: it has excellent resistance to mineral oils, hydraulic fluids and fuels (petrol, diesel), and it copes well with water and air too. This is precisely why NBR O-rings are the go-to choice in hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel and oil systems, and general engineering. Its properties depend on the acrylonitrile (ACN) content: a higher proportion improves oil resistance, while a lower one improves flexibility at low temperatures — so for a specific application we select a tailored compound.
It does, however, have clear limits. Don't use NBR for steam and hot water, glycol-based brake fluids (DOT 3/4), ester and synthetic oils, polar solvents, or strong acids and bases. Watch out for ozone, UV and weathering too: in direct sunlight NBR ages and cracks, so it isn't ideal for a permanently outdoor environment. These limitations determine the service life of the seal — with an aggressive medium, don't experiment; choose a more suitable material instead.
Compared with the other materials, NBR is clearly the best price-to-performance ratio for oil and fuel applications at moderate temperatures. When you need a higher temperature or better wear resistance, step up to HNBR; when aggressive chemistry or high heat come into play, to FKM (Viton®); for water and steam, to EPDM. The conclusion is simple: if you're sealing mineral oil, hydraulics or fuel in the −30 to +100 °C range and want a proven O-ring at the best price, reach for NBR — and save the other materials for the cases where NBR runs up against its limits.
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O-ring material comparison
Indicative values for a quick comparison. Temperature ranges are conservative (continuous service); for a specific medium always verify compatibility or consult a technician.
| Material | Temperature range | Mineral oil | Water | Acid | Fuel | Hardness (Sh A) | Relative price (vs NBR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBR — your selection | -30 – 100 °C | Excellent | Limited | Avoid | Excellent | 70 Sh A | 1.0× |
| HNBR | -30 – 150 °C | Excellent | Limited | Avoid | Excellent | 75 Sh A | 3.0× |
| FKM | -20 – 200 °C | Excellent | Limited | Excellent | Excellent | 75 Sh A | 5.0× |
| FFKM | -20 – 260 °C | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | 75 Sh A | 50.0× |
| EPDM | -40 – 130 °C | Unsafe | Excellent | Excellent | Unsafe | 70 Sh A | 1.2× |
| VMQ | -60 – 200 °C | Avoid | Excellent | Avoid | Avoid | 70 Sh A | 3.5× |
| PU | -40 – 80 °C | Excellent | Limited | Avoid | Limited | 90 Sh A | 2.0× |