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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.

MaterialTemperature rangeMineral oilWaterAcidFuelHardness (Sh A)Relative price (vs NBR)
NBR — your selection-30 – 100 °C Excellent Limited Avoid Excellent70 Sh A1.0×
HNBR-30 – 150 °C Excellent Limited Avoid Excellent75 Sh A3.0×
FKM-20 – 200 °C Excellent Limited Excellent Excellent75 Sh A5.0×
FFKM-20 – 260 °C Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent75 Sh A50.0×
EPDM-40 – 130 °C Unsafe Excellent Excellent Unsafe70 Sh A1.2×
VMQ-60 – 200 °C Avoid Excellent Avoid Avoid70 Sh A3.5×
PU-40 – 80 °C Excellent Limited Avoid Limited90 Sh A2.0×

Frequently asked questions about NBR (Nitrile)

Can an NBR O-ring handle contact with petrol and diesel?
Yes. NBR (nitrile) is the standard choice for mineral oils, hydraulic fluids and fuels such as petrol and diesel — which is exactly why it's used in fuel and oil systems. With fuels that have a high aromatic or bioethanol content, however, NBR hardens and swells more quickly; in that case consider HNBR or FKM. For a specific fuel, check compatibility in our chemical-resistance table.
Why shouldn't an NBR O-ring be used for brake fluid or steam?
Glycol-based brake fluids (DOT 3/4) and hot steam attack nitrile — the ring swells, loses its elasticity and stops sealing. For these media the right choice is EPDM. NBR is also unsuitable for ester and synthetic oils, polar solvents, or strong acids and bases; for those, reach for FKM or a special compound.
Which hardness of NBR O-ring should I choose?
For most static and dynamic applications the optimum is 70 Shore A — it seals well while withstanding ordinary pressures. At higher pressure (above roughly 100 bar) or with more clearance in the groove, choose 90 Shore A, or add a back-up ring to prevent the rubber being extruded. Softer compounds (50–60 Shore A) suit uneven or coarser seating surfaces.

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