Blending of Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile rubber (NBR) exhibits strong polarity, resulting in generally poor compatibility with most other polymers. However, it blends well with highly polar polymers such as chloroprene rubber (CR), modified phenolic resins, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), particularly those containing chlorine. Additionally, to improve processability and performance, NBR is often blended with non-polar rubbers like natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and polybutadiene rubber (BR). It should be noted that while NBR offers excellent oil resistance, blending with other polymers (except PVC) tends to reduce this property.

High-Performance Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)

With advancements in the automotive industry, there is an increasing demand for sealing materials (e.g., rubber) in fuel and lubrication systems, as well as engines, that exhibit superior resistance to heat, oil, and chemical corrosion. Traditionally, NBR—known for its oil resistance—has been used, but its limitations restrict long-term use to temperatures below 120°C. Moreover, its poor ozone, weather, and radiation resistance make it unsuitable for high-performance engine seals.

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR), a hydrogenated derivative of NBR, overcomes these limitations. It combines excellent oil, ozone, abrasion, and chemical resistance with superior compression set resistance, thermal stability, and low-temperature performance, making it ideal for sealing applications under extreme conditions.

This study investigates the effects of vulcanizing agents, co-agents, and carbon black on HNBR's key properties, including compression set and tensile strength.