For this reason, we will discuss Buna-n, how this rubber is used, how it’s made, and the significant differences. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of Buna-n together!
What is Buna-n (NBR)?
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. Nitrile Butadiene Rubber(NBR) is a synthetic rubber with excellent physical properties. It is in high demand because it can be tailored to meet the industry’s unique requirements or the complicated design procedure for an engineering project.
Its physical and chemical properties vary depending on the polymer’s composition of nitrile. The more nitrile there is within the polymer, the higher its resistance to oils but the lower its flexibility. It is specially processed with Sulphur or Peroxide for demanding projects to manipulate its physical and chemical features. I.e., melting point, chemical resistance, and hardness.
In the rubber industry, nitrile rubber is recognized for its high resistance to heat, pressure, and harmful fluids (mineral oils), making it an excellent raw material for O-rings, gaskets, and oil seals in industries such as automotive companies and electrical factories.
Butadiene and Acrylonitrile (ACN), the primary ingredients of Buna-n, are mixed based on the project’s necessities. Though the formula varies, 34 percent of ACN is responsible for its high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and oil-resistant applications. At the same time, Butadiene is accountable for the flexible and elastic nature of the rubber.
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Where is Buna-n or Nitrile Rubber (NBR) Used?
Buna-n, also called acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, a synthetic rubber, is used in various applications. It is used in the construction, automotive and aeronautical industry for O-rings, rubber grommets, and handling hoses.
Buna-N is known for its unusually high resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals and its superior strength. The uses of nitrile rubber include disposable non-latex gloves, automotive transmission belts, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, oil seals, V belts, synthetic leather, printer’s form rollers, and cable jacketing.
It is also used to manufacture rubber adhesives for lamination and as a color pigment binder. It is used to seal pumps and to make protective gloves and boots in nuclear Industries.
Nitrile Rubber is ideal for the most demanding environments, i.e., the Medical industry, because it can resist high levels of external heat and withstand harmful acids. It is also used in pharmaceutical laboratories.
Nitrile Rubber(NBR) depending on the alteration to the formula can be used in every industry.
How does Nitrile Rubber Differ from Other Rubber Materials?
Buna-n(Nitrile Rubber) differs from other more common materials in terms of better physical and chemical properties.
It is the first base polymer, named after being discovered by scientists in the early 1900s. Nitrile Rubber and Buna-n are manufactured from the same base synthetic rubber copolymer – acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The significant difference in this NBR compound is the formula used in the manufacturing process. This formula is altered and applied based on the selected Industries and their demands.
Here are some of the key differences between nitrile rubber and other types of rubber materials:
| Property | Nitrile Rubber (NBR) | Natural Rubber (NR) | Neoprene (CR) | Silicone Rubber (SiR) | EPDM Rubber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Good | Excellent | Fair to Good |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to 100°C | -60°C to 80°C | -40°C to 125°C | -55°C to 200°C | -40°C to 130°C |
| Weather Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ozone Resistance | Good | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Acid Resistance | Good | Fair to Good | Fair to Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good |
| Tensile Strength | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair to Good | Good |
Bunan-n differs In terms of characteristics, such as
- Temperature requirement
- Physical Properties
Temperature Resistance
Buna-n has good temperature resistance and can withstand a wide temperature range, averaging between -40 and 107 degrees Celsius. It is an elastomer able to function virtually almost in every industry.
Physical Properties
Buna N is also easy to process and has good physical properties, including high tensile strength and good abrasion resistance. Regarding physical qualities, Nitrile rubber latex is one of the most preferred rubber materials. Custom Rubber parts made with Buna-n have a longer service life and can survive the effects of weathering in their environment.
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How can You Tell if a Material is Made of Buna-n (NBR)?
Rubber parts made from Buna-n (NBR) have a high oil resistance (silicone oils, vegetable oils, and other oils), although adamant, and have high heat resistance. It is primarily known for its incredible oil resistance.
Standard parts made from other rubber materials cannot withstand oil exposure, and nitrile rubber(NBR) leads to heavy swelling and gas permeability. This weakness can cause huge setbacks and accidents when left unchecked for an extended period.
Although the physical properties can be manipulated by altering the percentage ratio for better suitability.
What are the Benefits of Using Buna-n (NBR)?
There are benefits to using Buna-n for rubber parts. It is a remarkably versatile elastomer used for numerous applications and projects. It is one of the most widely used raw materials for fluid seals, oil seals, and gaskets.
Nitrile or Buna-n, as it’s commonly known, has an extensive list of valuable features. NBR offers excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, silicone greases, hydraulic fluids, water, and alcohol. It provides a good balance of desirable working properties including low compression set, high tensile strength, and high abrasion resistance. This wide range of benefits makes it enticing. This is also a reason for its popularity among rubber technicians.
- Excellent Resistance: It has good oil resistance and functions well with petroleum oils and other such fluids,
- Tear Resistance: It excels in physical toughness with high abrasion and tear resistance.
- It has a Shore: A hardness rating ranging from 40 to 90 points.
- Cheap alternative: It is more affordable than many other elastomers and fluoroelastomers
Are there any Drawbacks to Using Buna-n (NBR)?
Although, as an elastomer, this is a preferred choice among industry experts, there are a few drawbacks to consider when using Buna-n for rubber accessories.
For instance, Buna-N is susceptive to ozone, ketones, ethers, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, automotive brake fluid, strong acids, and aldehydes. It has poor resistance to ozone, sunlight, and weathering, which can cause it to break down and degrade over time. Butadiene rubber should be used in a suitable environment as raw materials for disposable non-latex gloves and other rubber accessories.
When Buna-n comes in contact with strong oxidizers, the elastomer oxidizes. This drawback can lead to accidents in laboratories and factories. Depending on the formula used and the presence of acrylonitrile, the flexibility of materials made with Buna-n can also be controlled and manipulated.
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Conclusion
Rounding up everything that has been reviewed so far, Buna-n is a highly customizable elastomer with a long list of benefits and a shorter list of drawbacks.
Buy High-Quality Nitrile Rubber Products from Hongju
To ascertain if Buna-n meets the requirements of your project, you can collaborate with a member of the Hongju team to create high-quality rubber parts. Please reach out to us our team will be happy to help you meet your business goals.
