Are you unsatisfied with the rubber sheet quality you are using in your gaskets?
Are they tearing too often and you are facing production downtime?
You have already used many types of rubber sheets till now, but none of them could yield the results you were expecting?
Well, have you tried using Nitrile rubber yet?
A Nitrile rubber sheet is renowned for its excellent resistance to harsh chemicals, oils, and extreme temperatures. However, NBR rubber has its limitations, as well. If you do not know about them, the same problems will be repeated. In this blog, we will uncover everything about Nitrile sheets.
This specialist blog has been curated with the latest updates about NBR rubber.
What is a Nitrile Rubber (NBR)Sheet?
A Nitrile rubber sheet also known as NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), is a synthetic rubber made from the copolymers of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene.
The presence of acrylonitrile in Nitrile rubber imparts oil and temperature resistance properties in it. Nitrile rubber sheets are one of the very few types of rubber sheets that can withstand the effects of petroleum-based fluids.
On the other hand, butadiene in NBR rubber imparts good mechanical properties, including tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance.
Moreover, Nitrile rubber has a dense structure. Therefore, they act as a superior gas barrier, making them useful in applications where gas permeation can occur.
What are the Features of Nitrile Rubber?
NBR rubber is costlier than natural rubber. This is why many users do not want to invest in a Nitrile rubber roll. However, if you consider the long-term benefits of Nitrile rubber, you will find out that it truly adds value in some industrial applications.
You will understand it better if you look at the features of a Nitrile rubber sheet:
- Resistance to Specific Oils: NBR is resistant to aromatic oils like benzene, toluene, and xylene. Additionally, it is equally efficient when exposed to mineral oils and hydraulic oils.
- Swelling resistance: Natural rubber sheets may swell in contact with petroleum-based, aromatic, and aliphatic oils. This is not a problem with NBR rubber.
- Heat and Cold Resistance: Many industrial applications need extreme temperature conditions. If your application is between -40°C to 120°C, you can go for an NBR rubber sheet.
- High Mechanical Strength: You can understand the mechanical strength of a rubber sheet from its tensile strength, tear, and abrasion resistance. NBR typically has a tensile strength of 3000-5000 psi, with tear strength ranging from 200-400 pounds per inch (lpi).
- Gas Permeation: Nitrile rubber sheet has gas barrier properties against gases like Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon dioxide.
- Acid, alkali, and solvent resistance: A Nitrile sheet is resistant to many acids and alkalis, like sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide. Additionally, it is resistant to solvents like gasoline and diesel fuel.
Common Industrial Applications of Nitrile Rubber Sheets: Uses
The combination of oil, chemical, stress, and temperature resistance makes Nitrile rubber preferred in industrial applications like:
1. Automotive Industry
Gasoline and Diesel are used in trucks for lubrication. Moreover, in the automobile industry, rubber sheets and other equipment are exposed to other chemicals like engine oil, transmission fluid, grease, paints, structural adhesives, and car wash products. Nitrile rubber sheet in this industry is used to make:
- Gaskets and Seals
- Hoses and Tubing
- O-Rings
2. Aerospace Industry
Similar to the automobile industry, oil and chemical products are essential in the aerospace industry, where rockets, aircraft, launch vehicles, etc., are manufactured.
NBR rubber in the aerospace industry is mainly used to make:
- Lining in fuel tank seals
- Hydraulic systems
3. Oil and Gas Extraction Units
The Middle-East part of the world is the hub of oil and gas extraction units. A recent inspection report in 2023 reveals that the region holds 55.5% of the total oil reserve of the world.
Nevertheless, major challenges in the places here are harsh weather and extreme climate. Therefore, here you need a rubber sheet that can combat both the demanding industrial applications and the extreme environment. Nitrile rubber sheeting is resistant to a wide array of oils and fuels which makes it ideal for the oil & gas sector. It has resistance against LPG, petrol, diesel, and greases. Nitrile rubber sheet here is used to make:
- Pipeline Gaskets
- Lining for Drilling Equipment
Neoprene rubber is another popular rubber product used in the oil and gas factories of the GCC countries.
4. Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial manufacturing is the most important sector in many countries like India and the USA. It employs a major chunk of the total population also. Therefore, the demand in this sector is equally higher. Along with other rubber sheet types, Nitrile rubber is also prized across the industrial manufacturing sector.
Nitrile rubber uses in industrial manufacturing are:
- Machine parts (seals, gaskets, O-rings) and linings
- Conveyor belt covers
5. Food and Beverage Industry
FDA-approved NBR rubber sheets make the food and beverage industry more efficient. It is specifically used in areas where fatty, oily, or greasy substances are handled. Food-grade Nitrile rubber sheet maintains a safe and hygienic environment here. Moreover, Food-certified NBR is easy to clean and anti-bacterial, as well.
Here, specialists recommend using a NBR rubber sheet in:
- Seals for processing equipment
- Hoses and tubes to transport fatty substances
Why Choose Duratuf for Nitrile Rubber Sheeting?
High-quality NBR sheets make a difference in several ways. The composition of the Duratuf Nitrile rubber sheets makes them efficient. As a result, you will observe a noticeable decrease in the downtime.
Additionally, we offer Nitrile rubber sheets in two variants: Common-use and Specialty Nitrile rubber sheets. The common-use Nitrile rubber sheets are for everyday applications. The Specialty rubber sheets are for demanding industrial works.
Below are how they stand out:
Conclusion
From the automotive to the food and beverage industry, Nitrile rubber sheets have a high price-performance ratio. Whether you need oil-resistant gaskets, chemical-proof seals, or abrasion-resistant linings, Nitrile rubber sheets provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications.
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