HNBR rubber was developed to address the limitations of NBR in harsh working environments. In this article, Thai Duong Plastics analyzes the technical characteristics, advantages, and applications of HNBR to help businesses choose a material solution suited to their production needs.
Overview of HNBR rubber
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber derived from NBR through the process of hydrogenation. This treatment removes unstable double bonds along the polymer chain, thereby increasing thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical service life. HNBR retains NBR’s inherent oil resistance while withstanding temperatures up to 165 °C and operating reliably under high pressure and in corrosive environments.
Key technical characteristics of HNBR
Below are the key technical features that make HNBR highly valued in demanding applications:
Heat and chemical resistance
HNBR operates stably from −40 to 165 °C, outperforming conventional NBR. It resists mineral oils, gear oils with extreme-pressure additives, industrial solvents, and many acids. Its broad chemical resistance makes HNBR an ideal choice where stringent chemical stability is required.
High mechanical strength
HNBR offers excellent tensile strength and abrasion resistance. It maintains elasticity and shape retention even after prolonged service under load, improving the performance of components such as shaft seals, gaskets, and friction parts in sealed systems.
Ozone and environmental aging resistance
HNBR withstands prolonged exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and oxidation. As a result, it is suitable for outdoor applications and industrial environments where climate or chemicals accelerate material aging.
See also: A detailed guide to cast rubber
Drawbacks to consider
Despite its advantages, HNBR has certain limitations. It is not suitable for strongly polar solvents such as esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
In environments containing these substances, HNBR can swell, lose strength, and compromise sealing performance. In addition, production costs are higher due to complex synthesis and processing, so HNBR is typically selected for applications that demand superior performance, stability, and operational reliability.
Comparison between HNBR and NBR
Compared with NBR, HNBR delivers superior heat resistance, anti-aging, and ozone resistance thanks to its hydrogenated structure. It still maintains strong oil resistance but is more durable and suitable for harsh environments at temperatures up to 165 °C.
NBR, however, retains advantages in cost and resistance to certain polar solvents. Therefore, NBR fits general-purpose applications, while HNBR is preferred where higher durability and performance are required.
Notable industrial applications of HNBR
HNBR has become an ideal rubber material for components operating continuously under pressure and high temperatures, with frequent exposure to oils, solvents, or gases. Typical applications include:
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
HNBR is used in high-pressure shaft seals, O-rings, gaskets, and other sealing elements. Its wear resistance and oil resistance help maintain stable performance, reduce leakage, and extend component life in industrial systems.
Automotive engines, trucks, and aerospace equipment
In automotive and aerospace sectors, HNBR is commonly used for oil and gas sealing, especially in high-temperature, high-vibration areas such as engines, transmissions, and drive systems. Its stability and high heat resistance enhance equipment reliability and safety.
Industrial machinery and mechanical equipment
HNBR is employed to produce rubber hoses, fuel lines, oil lines, and anti-vibration tubing. Its elasticity and pressure resistance optimize the performance of fluid and gas systems on production lines.
Oil & gas production and deep wells
With strong chemical resistance and high mechanical strength, HNBR is used for sealing in crude-oil, natural-gas, and deep-well equipment. It withstands hydrocarbon-rich environments, high pressures, and fluctuating temperatures, thereby mitigating risks of leaks, failures, and operational interruptions.
HNBR is an optimal solution for engineering applications that demand high durability, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. Thanks to its long-term stability and superior performance, HNBR is increasingly adopted across key industries. Follow upcoming articles from Thai Duong Plastics to keep up with practical insights into engineering rubber materials and application solutions.