What is HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)?
Material overview
HNBR is a hydrogenated derivative of NBR (nitrile rubber) where unsaturated bonds are saturated to improve thermal, oxidative and aging resistance. This modification yields higher tensile strength, lower compression set and longer service life in hot, oil-exposed environments compared with regular NBR. Common synonyms to include on the page: HNBR, H-NBR, HSN, hydrogenated nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.
Key market grades
Typical stock hardnesses commonly cover 30–95 Shore A with many widely used grades in the 60–90A band; specialty soft or hard grades are available.
Key technical highlights
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Service temperature: typically −40°C to +150°C (many formulations stable to ≈160°C; some specialty grades higher).
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Excellent oil & hydrocarbon resistance — performs better than standard NBR in hot oil and aging conditions.
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Superior ozone, heat & abrasion resistance — ideal for long-life seals.
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Low compression set & high tensile strength — reduces re-torque cycles and leakage risk.
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Food-grade / FDA variants exist for selected HNBR formulations where required.
Why choose our HNBR rubber sheets?
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Longer service life in hot, oil-containing systems — saves downtime and maintenance costs.
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Better resistance to aging & ozone than NBR — suitable for outdoor/exposed components.
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Wide hardness & thickness range — from thin gasket skiving to heavy wear pads.
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Cut-to-size and precision die-cutting — fast CNC/waterjet/die options for OEMs.
Common applications
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Automotive: crankshaft seals, timing belt gaskets, turbocharger seals, fuel system seals.
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Oil & Gas / Petrochemical: valve seats, pump seals, high-temp flange gaskets.
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Hydraulic systems & compressors: rod seals, piston seals subject to hot hydraulic fluids.
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Industrial & heavy equipment: wear pads, vibration mounts, high-heat gasketing.
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Food & beverage / pharma: selected FDA-compliant grades for fatty food contact where required.
Technical specifications
| Attribute | Typical range / value |
|---|---|
| Material | Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR / H-NBR) |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 30 – 95A (common: 60A, 70A, 75A). |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm – 10 mm (standard); thicker available to order. |
| Standard sheet sizes | 1000×1000 mm, 1500×1000 mm, rolls 1.4 m width (examples vary by supplier). |
| Temperature range | −40°C – 150°C (grade dependent). |
| Tensile | 15 – 35 MPa (varies by grade). |
| Compression set | Low vs NBR (publish test % from ASTM D395). |
| Certifications | ISO, ROHS. |
Typical / common sizes & formats
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HNBR rubber sheets: 1000×1000 mm, 1524×1524 mm (60″×60″), 1000×2000 mm — stock sizes vary by supplier.
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Rolls: 1.0–1.4 m widths, variable lengths.
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Thicknesses: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm — custom skiving available.
Advantages vs other common elastomers
| Property / Use | HNBR (H-NBR) | NBR (Nitrile) | FKM (Viton) | Silicone (VMQ) | EPDM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-temp aging | Excellent. | Good | Excellent (higher temp) | Good (very high temp for VMQ) | Good (steam/weather) |
| Oil / fuel resistance | Excellent (especially hot oil). | Very good | Excellent (broad chem) | Poor | Poor |
| Compression set | Low (better retention) | Higher | Low | Variable | Variable |
| Abrasion / mechanical | Good – excellent | Good | Good | Poor | Fair |
| Cost | Mid — higher than NBR, lower than many specialty FKM grades | Lower | Higher | Mid | Low–mid |
FAQ
Q: What is your MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
A: Stock items: often 1 sheet or 1 roll. Custom compounds, specialty colors or FDA grades may have MOQ (typical example: 100–500 kg). Confirm at quote. (Adjust to your company policy.)
Q: Typical lead time?
A: Samples (stock): 1–5 business days. Stock orders: 3–10 business days. Custom compounding / large runs: 2–6 weeks depending on formulation and finishing. Expedited options available. (Provide your factory lead times.)
Q: How are samples shipped?
A: Samples dispatched via express courier with tracking. Bulk orders palletized and shipped by freight forwarder; export documentation supplied (COO, commercial invoice, packing list).
Q: Do you offer FDA-compliant HNBR?
A: Yes — selected HNBR formulations can be made to meet food-contact / FDA requirements; certificates available upon request.
Q: Can you die-cut or CNC our gasket parts?
A: Yes — die-cut, CNC, waterjet services and bonded/laminated backing available. Upload CAD/DXF for a precise quote.
Q: Which chemicals should I avoid with HNBR?
A: HNBR has excellent hydrocarbon resistance but is less suitable for strong polar solvents, concentrated ketones, or some strong amines — consult our compatibility chart and TDS for specifics.
