Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

At Kea-Flex, we regularly use nitrile rubber (NBR) in our moulding processes because of its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and many chemicals. This makes it a highly versatile material, ideal for a wide range of industries and applications.

One of the most common uses for our moulded nitrile rubber components is in seals and gaskets, including O-rings and hydraulic seals. These parts are widely used in engines, fuel systems, and hydraulic equipment, where they provide reliable sealing performance, even in demanding environments.

We also manufacture fuel hoses and oil-resistant tubing from nitrile rubber, often for automotive and industrial clients. Its ability to withstand oils, greases, and fuels without degrading makes it an excellent choice for these applications.

In addition, nitrile rubber is used for protective gloves, especially in industries where chemical resistance and durability are important. It’s a popular alternative to latex, offering strong resistance to punctures and chemicals.

Other common uses include moulded rubber parts like grommets, diaphragms, and bushings, which are often found in machinery and appliances. Nitrile rubber is also used in belts, rollers, and other components where strength and oil resistance are needed.

Yes, nitrile rubber (NBR) can be overmoulded with other materials, and at Kea-Flex, we have the expertise to support projects where overmoulding may be required. Overmoulding involves bonding nitrile rubber to a second material such as metal, plastic, or another elastomer to form a single, integrated component with enhanced functionality.

One common example is rubber to metal bonding, often used in parts that demand both strength and flexibility, such as seals, vibration dampers, or mounting components. Achieving a strong and durable bond depends on factors like surface preparation, adhesive systems, and precise moulding conditions.

Overmoulding nitrile onto other materials requires careful consideration of compatibility, bonding techniques, and application requirements. While not always necessary, it can be a valuable solution where performance or assembly advantages are needed.

At Kea-Flex, we carefully control the moulding process to ensure strong adhesion and consistent quality in overmoulded parts. We can advise on the best material combinations for your application, whether you need oil and fuel resistance, flexibility, or mechanical strength.

At Kea-Flex, we work with a range of elastomers, each chosen for its specific properties and suitability for different applications. Nitrile rubber (NBR) is among the most widely used due to its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and greases. It also provides good abrasion resistance and mechanical strength, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, and hoses in automotive, industrial, and oil and gas settings. However, it has limited resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV, making it less suitable for prolonged outdoor use.

In contrast, EPDM rubber performs extremely well in outdoor environments. Its strong resistance to UV, ozone, and water makes it a common choice for building and automotive seals. That said, EPDM lacks the oil and fuel resistance that nitrile offers.

Neoprene rubber offers a balanced performance, with moderate resistance to oils and good durability outdoors. It’s often used for protective covers, external seals, and wetsuits. While more weather-resistant than nitrile, it doesn’t match its performance against oils and fuels.

Natural rubber is known for its excellent elasticity and mechanical strength, making it suitable for vibration mounts and shock absorbers. However, its poor resistance to oils, fuels, and environmental exposure limits its use in harsher conditions.

Silicone rubber excels in extreme temperatures, staying flexible from around -60°C to +200°C. It’s also highly resistant to UV, ozone, and weathering, making it ideal for medical, food-grade, and high-temperature applications. Its main drawbacks are lower oil resistance and reduced abrasion strength compared to nitrile.