What is NBR Sponge Rubber?

NBR Sponge Rubber is an elastomeric foam based on Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR). It is well known for its excellent resistance to mineral oils, fuels, lubricants and greases, making it the preferred choice for sealing applications requiring oil resistance.

Depending on the application, NBR sponge rubber is available in open-cell or closed-cell structures. For technical sealing applications, closed-cell grades are predominantly used because they provide low liquid absorption and excellent sealing performance.

Thanks to its good mechanical properties, high abrasion resistance and excellent oil resistance, NBR sponge rubber is widely used in demanding industrial applications.

Properties

• Temperature resistance from approximately -30 °C to +100 °C
• Available in open-cell or closed-cell structures
• Excellent resistance to mineral oils, fuels and lubricants
• Good mechanical strength
• Good abrasion and wear resistance
• Good elasticity and recovery properties
• Good cushioning and insulation properties
• Low liquid absorption in closed-cell grades
• Cost-effective material for many industrial applications

Typical applications

NBR sponge rubber is commonly used for:

• Oil- and fuel-resistant seals
• Enclosure seals
• Automotive seals
• Fuel systems
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Mechanical engineering
• Vibration damping
• Technical moulded parts
• Industrial equipment

Typical industries include:

• Automotive industry
• Mechanical engineering
• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Oil and gas industry
• Industrial equipment
• Industrial automation

Limitations

NBR sponge rubber has limited resistance to ozone, UV radiation, weathering, hot water and steam. For outdoor applications or long-term exposure to weather, materials such as EPDM or CR are generally more suitable.