Sep 09，2024 by Dawn Group

HNBR vs NBR: Which is Better? A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Applications

Understanding NBR

NBR is a synthetic rubber made from the polymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene. When the acrylonitrile content is higher, the oil and fuel resistance of NBR is enhanced, but the flexibility at low temperatures is reduced.

Key Properties of NBR

  • Oil and fuel resistance: NBR has excellent resistance to oil, grease and fuel, making it ideal for automotive seals, gaskets and fuel hoses.
  • Good mechanical properties: NBR has good tensile strength and wear resistance, making it a durable material in dynamic applications.
  • Temperature range: NBR can effectively work in the temperature range of -30°C to +100°C.

Common Applications of NBR

NBR is used in the automotive and aerospace industries to manufacture fuel and oil handling hoses, seals, gaskets and self-sealing fuel tanks. It is also used in the food service, medical and nuclear industries to make protective gloves.

Understanding HNBR

HNBR is produced by hydrogenating NBR, which saturates the double bonds in the butadiene chain. This chemical modification significantly improves HNBR's resistance to high temperatures, ozone and weather, making HNBR more durable in harsh environments.

Key Properties of NBR

  • Heat resistance: HNBR can withstand higher temperatures, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +150°C.
  • Improved chemical resistance: Although NBR is oil-resistant, HNBR is superior in resistance to fuels, oils, and many chemicals.
  • Environmental resistance: HNBR has excellent resistance to ozone, UV rays and oxidation, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

Common Applications of NBR

HNBR is commonly used in industries that require high-performance materials, such as automotive, oil and gas, aerospace and industrial seals. It is widely used in timing belts, seals, O-rings and fuel system components.

Comprehensive comparison: HNBR vs. NBR

Property NBR HNBR
Chemical Composition Polymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene Hydrogenated NBR
Temperature Range -30°C to +100°C -40°C to +150°C
Oil and Fuel Resistance Excellent Superior
Chemical Resistance Good Superior
Mechanical Strength Good Higher
Ozone and Weather Resistance Limited Excellent
Flexibility (at low temperatures) Poor flexibility Better flexibility
Common Applications Gaskets, O-rings, fuel hoses, hydraulic seals Timing belts, seals, fuel system components
Material Cost Lower, cost-effective Higher, but with longer lifespan
Environmental Resistance Limited, unsuitable for long-term outdoor exposure Excellent, suitable for outdoor and high-exposure environments
Supply Chain and Availability Widely available More specialized
Long-term Cost Efficiency Lower, suitable for less demanding applications Higher, especially for long-term and demanding applications

Selecting the Right Material for Your Application

HNBR offers superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and environmental durability. For environments involving extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, or outdoor conditions, HNBR is the preferred choice. NBR is more cost-effective and suitable for applications where oil resistance is the primary requirement.

Dawn Special elastomer Company: A Trustworthy HNBR Supplier

Dawn Special elastomer Company is an enterprise that develops, produces, and sells HNBR products with high technology content and high added value. The HNBR plant has a designed capacity of 3,000 tons per year, and the first phase of 1,000 tons was officially produced in 2019. 

Our HNBR has been maturely applied in many products such as oil exploration gaskets, new energy vehicle motor seals, automotive timing belts, refrigerant-resistant O-rings, and aircraft oil pipes.

Grades:

Item Test Method Unit DN3406 DN3408 DN3416 DN3418 DN3426 DN3428 DN3448 DN3404LX
Acrylonitrile Content ISO24698-2 % 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34
Mooney Viscosity ISO289

ML1+4100℃
>60 
≤70
>80 
≤95
>55 
≤70
>80 
≤95
>55 
≤70
>80 
≤95
>80 
≤95
35±5
Iodine Value ISO17564 mg/100mg
≤10
≤10
>10.0
≤18.0
>10.0
≤18.0
>18.0
≤38.0
>18.0
≤38.0
>46.0
≤60.0
≤10.0
Hydrogenation Degree ISO14558 % 99 99 97 97 94 94 83 99

If you are interested in our HNBR, please click here to view more details or contact us directly for technical exchanges.