NBR (Nitrile) Rubber Sheets: Oil-Resistant Rubber for Gaskets and Pads

30 October, 2026 | Admin

Short answer: NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is a
synthetic rubber known for excellent resistance to oils, fuels and
greases. NBR sheet is used for gaskets, seals, pads, liners and
oil-contact surfaces in pumps, engines and hydraulic equipment. It has
fair abrasion resistance and is not suited to strong weather, ozone or
polar solvents.

Table of Contents

Why NBR is the oil-service
rubber

The acrylonitrile content in NBR makes it resist petroleum oils and
fuels, which swell and destroy natural rubber, SBR and EPDM. A higher
nitrile content gives better oil resistance but less flexibility at low
temperature. A lower nitrile content stays more flexible in the cold. If
you are choosing between grades, check the datasheet for the nitrile
content and the oil you will use.

Free engineering tools

Gasket size chart — Find the ASME B16.21 gasket ID and OD for your flange size and class
Plastic weight calculator — Work out the weight of NBR sheets, rods and tubes in kg

Request a quote for this product →

Key properties

excellent resistance to mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids and
greases
good abrasion and wear resistance
good compression set, so it keeps sealing
good resistance to water at moderate temperature
fair resistance to heat compared with higher grades of rubber

Limits

poor resistance to sunlight, ozone and weather, so outdoor exposed
parts age and crack
not suited to strong polar solvents such as ketones, or to strong
acids
lower temperature capability than silicone or fluorocarbon
(FKM)

Typical uses

Application	Why NBR
Gaskets for pumps, gearboxes and engines	Oil resistance
Oil-contact pads and liners	Resists swelling
Fuel handling equipment	Fuel resistance
Hydraulic and pneumatic seals	Wear and oil resistance
Workshop floor mats and sheet	Oil-resistant surface

Choosing NBR sheet

Fluid: confirm the oil or fuel and its
temperature.
Hardness: softer for sealing, harder for load.
Thickness: based on flange roughness and
compression.
Reinforcement: cloth-inserted NBR for
strength.
Outdoor exposure: if the part sits in the sun,
consider another rubber or a protected position.

NBR compared with
neoprene, EPDM and silicone

vs neoprene: NBR is much better in oil; neoprene is
better in weather.
vs EPDM: EPDM suits water, steam and weather; it
fails in mineral oil.
vs silicone: silicone handles heat and cold but has
poor oil resistance and tear strength.
vs FKM: FKM handles higher temperature and many
chemicals but costs much more.

See neoprene guide, EPDM guide and silicone guide.

Cutting, fitting and storage

NBR cuts cleanly with a sharp knife, die or water jet. Gaskets should
not be over-compressed. Store sheet flat or rolled in a cool, dark place
away from ozone sources such as electric motors, and avoid contact with
copper, which can affect some rubbers.

Common mistakes to avoid

using NBR outdoors without protection
choosing it for strong solvents
using too hard a sheet for a rough flange
leaving rolls stacked under heavy weight
skipping the datasheet on a critical seal

Questions to ask your
supplier

What is the nitrile content and the Shore hardness? What is the
temperature range? Is the sheet plain or fabric reinforced? Which oil or
fluid was it tested against? What thickness tolerance applies?

Diode Trading EST supplies rubber products across Saudi Arabia, and
every order ships with a Material Test Certificate. request a quote

Hardness and thickness guide

Softer NBR (lower Shore A) seals rough surfaces at low bolt load.
Harder NBR resists extrusion under pressure and suits pads under load.
Thickness depends on the flange: thin sheets for machined flanges and
higher pressure, thicker sheets for uneven or fabricated covers. Share
the joint details and we will suggest a starting point.

FAQ

What is NBR rubber used for? Oil-resistant gaskets,
seals, pads and liners.

Is NBR weatherproof? No. Use EPDM or neoprene for
outdoor use.

What is the difference between NBR and nitrile? They
are the same material.

Can NBR sheet be cut to size? Yes. Send drawings or
dimensions.

Related: Neoprene Sheet · EPDM Guide · Rubber Sheets Guide

Products related to this article

Diode Trading EST supplies these Rubber Sheets, Gaskets & Seals from stock in Dammam, with delivery across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

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