Silicone rubber and NBR (nitrile rubber) are two common industrial rubber materials, which have significant differences in properties, uses and characteristics.
First of all, silicone rubber is a high performance elastomer with excellent high and low temperature resistance. It is able to maintain stable physical properties in the temperature range of -60°C to 250°C, so it is very suitable for extreme temperature environments. Silicone rubber also has excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, and electrical insulation properties, which make it widely used in aerospace, medical equipment, and food industries. Furthermore, the chemical inertness and non-toxicity of silicone rubber make it FDA-compliant and suitable for applications in direct contact with food and pharmaceuticals.
In contrast, NBR rubber is known for its excellent oil and wear resistance. It is mainly made of butadiene and acrylonitrile polymerization, and has good resistance to petroleum-based oils, lubricants and fuel oil. Therefore, NBR rubber is widely used in the automotive, oil and gas industries for manufacturing products such as oil seals, O-rings, and fuel pipes. NBR rubber also has good mechanical properties and tear strength, but its resistance to high and low temperatures is poor, and the general operating temperature range is -40°C to 120°C.
The two types of rubber also differ in their chemical resistance. Silicone rubber has good resistance to most acids, bases and solvents, but weak resistance to some organic solvents and oils. NBR rubber, on the other hand, performs well in terms of oil resistance, but is less resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light and extreme heat.
To sum up, silicone rubber and NBR rubber each have their own unique advantages and application areas. The choice of material mainly depends on the specific application requirements, such as temperature range, chemical resistance and mechanical properties, among other factors. Silicone rubber is the ideal choice for high and low temperature resistance and chemical inertness. NBR rubber is more suitable for applications where oil resistance and mechanical strength are required.