Inflatable seals are crucial in applications that require reliability, adaptability, and airtightness. These specialized seals expand and contract, conforming to irregular surfaces and providing a secure, leak-proof barrier. Industries, from aerospace and defense to manufacturing and medical equipment, rely on these seals for critical operations, whether used in doors, hatches, processing equipment, or containment systems.
At Seal Master Corporation, we understand that a seal’s quality is only as good as its materials. As such, we manufacture our inflatable seals using only high-performance elastomers engineered for durability, flexibility, and resilience in harsh conditions. One of the most widely used materials is nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). What makes an NBR rubber seal an exceptional choice?
The NBR Seal Material
Selecting the right material for your inflatable seal is vital to ensuring optimal performance in your specific environment. Seal Master Corporation’s expert engineers help you choose the best elastomer based on your application’s requirements, including natural rubber (NRx), chloroprene (neoprene) (CR), butyl (IIR), silicone (SI), ethylene propylene (EPDM), fluorocarbon (Viton®) (FKM), and polyurethane (AU) (EU). Among these options, nitrile rubber (NBR) stands out for its outstanding oil and grease resistance.
Nitrile rubber is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, specially engineered to resist oils and other hydrocarbons. Like many other synthetic elastomers, NBR was developed through research between and during the two World Wars. In 1934, German chemists Erich Konrad and Eduard Tschunkur patented a group of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers known as Buna N.
During World War II, the United States produced it under the name GR-N (Government Rubber-Nitrile). Eventually, this family of elastomers became widely recognized as nitrile rubber (NBR).
Today, NBR is in high demand for its chemical resistance but has been in short supply since 2022. At Seal Master Corporation, we’re ready to manufacture your custom NBR inflatable seal today! Keep reading to learn more about its chemical resistance and other benefits.
Capabilities, Limitations, and Ideal Applications
The NBR seal material’s performance depends on the amount of acrylonitrile in the final copolymer, which can vary from 15% to 50%. Higher acrylonitrile levels enhance strength, oil resistance, and gas impermeability, rendering the material more durable in harsh conditions. However, as acrylonitrile content increases, flexibility at lower temperatures decreases due to the higher glass transition temperature, which causes the material to become more rigid in cold environments.
NBR seals are generally best for moderate to high-temperature environments, as they can withstand temperatures ranging from -29°C to 121°C. Because of its unique properties, an NBR seal is common in fuel hoses, gaskets, rollers, and automotive seals. It works anywhere where exposure to oils, fuels, and extreme conditions is a concern. Textile companies can also rely on the NBR seal material to refine waterproofing and fabric durability.
NBR is cost-effective. Compared to other high-performance elastomers, it offers an affordable solution without compromising quality. Consequently, industries that require reliable sealing at a lower cost opt for NBR rubber seals.
NBR Rubber Seal Benefits in a Nutshell
One of our largest customers, a manufacturer of equipment for the protein and alternative protein products industry, uses inflatable seals made from NBR for their oven doors. Through their experience, they have found that silicone and EPDM seals aren’t durable enough to withstand food additives and smoke inside the ovens and have since pivoted to NBR for a longer performance life.
Here are the key benefits of using NBR inflatable seals:
- Excellent Oil and Fuel Resistance: NBR seals deliver superior resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and lubricants, serving a great deal of sectors.
- Chemical and Fluid Resistance: Besides oil and fuel, NBR resists water, acids, and some chemicals.
- Temperature Tolerance: With a working range of -29°C to 121°C, NBR remains functional in dynamic environments.
- High Tensile Strength: NBR rubber’s mechanical strength fights wear, abrasion, and stress over extended use.
- Low Gas Permeability: NBR seals help prevent gas leakage, maintaining airtight and fluid-tight sealing performance.
- Cost-Effective Solution: NBR is affordable, making it a smart investment for various industries.
Scoping Your NBR Rubber Seal With Seal Master Corporation
Effective deployment of inflatable seals demands careful consideration of factors such as material compatibility, environmental conditions, and operational requirements. At Seal Master Corporation, we partner with customers to develop the right NBR rubber seals.
Our engineering team works closely with you to assess pressure prerequisites, temperature ranges, chemical exposures, and installation constraints for the best sealing solution. Download our white paper to dive deep into our scoping process for inflatable NBR seals.
The Bottom Line
Different elastomers bring unique advantages, but NBR seal material promises oil resistance, temperature stability, and cost-effectiveness like no other. As a pioneer in the sealing industry, Seal Master Corporation offers a wide range of NBR sealing solutions, including O-rings, industrial and oil seals, water-cut and food-grade seals, and more. Beyond the standard profiles, we also customize seals and parts for distinct application requirements. Request a quote today, and let our experts help you acquire the NBR sealing options you need.