What is hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)?

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is a high-performance elastomer obtained by hydrogenating conventional nitrile (NBR). This process reduces double bonds in the molecular chain, giving it superior properties: resistance to high temperatures (-60°C to +160°C), excellent oil and grease resistance, low compression set, and greater ozone resistance than NBR. It is ideal for demanding applications in automotive, heavy machinery, and oil & gas.

What is the difference between HNBR and NBR?

The main difference between HNBR and NBR is their thermal resistance and durability. HNBR offers a temperature range of -60°C to +160°C, better ozone and aging resistance, and lower compression set (20% maximum), making it ideal for severe conditions. NBR has a temperature range of -40°C to +100/120°C, good oil resistance but lower thermal and ozone resistance, and is more economical.

What applications is HNBR used for?

HNBR is used in applications requiring high temperature, oil, and severe condition resistance: automotive engine seals, under-hood gaskets, oil hoses; heavy machinery hydraulic seals; oil & gas drilling equipment and downhole tools; aerospace hydraulic system seals; and chemical industry gaskets resistant to aggressive chemicals.

Is HNBR better than Viton (FKM)?

The choice between HNBR and FKM (Viton®) depends on the application. HNBR offers better low-temperature flexibility (-60°C) and lower cost than FKM, ideal for automotive and heavy machinery applications with moderate temperatures (up to +160°C). FKM (Viton®) offers higher resistance to extreme temperatures (up to +200°C) and aggressive chemicals, ideal for aerospace, chemical, and oil & gas applications in extreme conditions.

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) | -60°C to +160°C Performance

The high-performance HNBR you need for seals, gaskets, and components in automotive, heavy machinery, and oil & gas. Superior resistance to oils, greases, ozone, and extreme temperatures. 70-75 Shore A. Get a quote in 24 hrs!

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) | Extreme Temperature & Oil Resistance

Looking for a material that withstands extreme conditions where other elastomers fail? Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is the solution you need. This high-performance elastomer, obtained through hydrogenation of conventional nitrile, offers superior heat resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical resistance, far surpassing NBR in demanding applications.

With a Shore A hardness of 70-75 and an extended temperature range of -60°C to +160°C, HNBR is ideal for seals, gaskets, O-rings, and components in automotive applications, heavy machinery, and oil & gas. Its oil and grease resistance at high temperatures makes it the preferred choice for applications where reliability is critical.

At Everest Group, we offer hydrogenated nitrile rubber in rolls and sheets with ASTM certification. Need HNBR for your project? Keep reading to discover all the advantages of our hydrogenated nitrile over NBR and other elastomers.

Hydrogenated Nitrile HNBR - Everest Group

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) Properties

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers significant advantages over conventional NBR, positioning it as the premium choice for demanding applications:

Superior high-temperature resistance (-60°C to +160°C): Far surpasses conventional nitrile, maintaining properties in extreme heat and cold.
Excellent oil, grease, and hydrocarbon resistance: Ideal for seals, gaskets, and O-rings in contact with fluids at high temperatures.
High mechanical strength (2,000 psi minimum): Withstands demanding loads in automotive applications, heavy machinery, and oil & gas.
Excellent ozone and weather resistance: Extends service life in outdoor applications and aggressive environments.
Good performance with concentrated acids and alkalis: Resistant to aggressive chemicals in industrial environments.
Low compression set (20% maximum): Ensures reliable sealing and long service life in applications where shape retention is critical.

These properties make hydrogenated nitrile rubber the ideal material for automotive applications, industrial applications, and severe service conditions where other elastomers, such as NBR, would fail.

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) Technical Data Sheet

Technical specifications of HNBR for high-temperature, oil, and severe condition applications

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PARAMETERS	METHOD	SPECIFICATIONS
SHORE A HARDNESS, Points	ASTM-D2240	70 - 75
TENSILE STRENGTH, psi	ASTM-D412	2000 MINIMUM
ELONGATION, %	ASTM-D412	225 MINIMUM
TEAR RESISTANCE, Lb/Inch	ASTM-D624	50 MINIMUM

MECHANICAL & OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES
PARAMETERS	METHOD	SPECIFICATIONS
COMPRESSION SET (%), @100°C, 24 hours	ASTM-D395	20 MAXIMUM
CHANGE IN TENSILE (%), @100°C, 70 hours	ASTM-D471	15 MAXIMUM
CHANGE IN ELONGATION (%), @100°C, 70 hours	ASTM-D471	17 MAXIMUM
CHANGE IN VOLUME (%), @100°C, 70 hours	ASTM-D471	5 MAXIMUM
OPERATING TEMPERATURE, °C	ASTM-D471	-60 TO +160

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
SUBSTANCES	METHOD	SPECIFICATIONS
GREASES, OILS & HYDROCARBONS	ASTM-D471	EXCELLENT
OZONE, UV LIGHT & WEATHERING	ASTM-D1171	VERY GOOD
CONCENTRATED ACIDS & ALKALIS	ASTM-D471	GOOD

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) Applications

HNBR is ideal for seals, gaskets, O-rings, and components in automotive applications (under-hood), heavy machinery (hydraulic systems), oil & gas (downhole tools), and aerospace. Its extreme temperature resistance (-60°C to +160°C) and low compression set (20% maximum) ensure reliable sealing and long service life in the most demanding applications.

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) Applications | Uses in Demanding Industries

Discover the sectors where HNBR is the preferred choice for its extreme temperature and oil resistance

Automotive Industry

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is ideal for engine seals, gaskets, oil hoses, and under-hood components exposed to high temperatures and oils. Its thermal resistance of -60°C to +160°C ensures durability in demanding automotive applications.

Heavy Machinery & Construction

HNBR is the preferred choice for hydraulic seals, gaskets, and components in construction equipment and mining operating in severe conditions. Its high mechanical strength (2,000 psi) and abrasion resistance ensure reliable performance.

Oil, Gas & Offshore

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber is used in drilling equipment, seals for downhole tools, and offshore applications. Its oil resistance and hydrocarbon resistance, combined with thermal stability, makes it indispensable in the petroleum industry.

More applications for HNBR

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is also used in aerospace for hydraulic system seals, in the chemical industry for chemical-resistant gaskets, in refrigeration systems for compressor seals, and in military applications for high-reliability components. Its versatility, extreme temperature resistance, and superior performance over NBR make it the preferred material for applications where reliability and durability are priorities.

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) Benefits | Why Choose It?

Advantages that make HNBR the best choice for high-temperature, oil, and severe condition applications

High Thermal Resistance (-60°C to +160°C)

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber operates continuously from -60°C to +160°C, far surpassing conventional NBR. Ideal for automotive applications and oil & gas where temperatures are extreme.

Excellent Oil & Grease Resistance

HNBR maintains its properties in contact with greases, oils, and hydrocarbons at high temperatures, ensuring reliable sealing in gaskets and O-rings.

High Mechanical Strength (2,000 psi)

With 2,000 psi tensile strength and 50 Lb/Inch tear resistance, hydrogenated nitrile withstands demanding loads in heavy machinery and drilling equipment.

Excellent Ozone & Weather Resistance

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber offers superior performance against ozone, UV light, and weathering, extending service life in outdoor applications and aggressive environments.

Low Compression Set (20% Maximum)

Only 20% maximum compression set, ideal for sealing applications requiring shape retention and long service life.

Good Chemical Resistance

HNBR offers good performance with concentrated acids and alkalis, making it suitable for the chemical industry and demanding industrial processes.

Reliability in Extreme Conditions

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) from Everest Group combines extreme temperature resistance (-60°C to +160°C), excellent oil resistance, and low compression set to deliver exceptional performance in automotive applications, heavy machinery, and oil & gas. ASTM certified, it guarantees safety, durability, and reliability in the most demanding applications, surpassing NBR in severe conditions.

HNBR vs Other Materials | High-Performance Comparison

Performance comparison in high-temperature, oil, and severe condition applications

HNBR

Max Temperature: +160°C

Min Temperature: -60°C

Oil Resistance: Excellent

Ozone Resistance: Excellent

Compression Set: Low (20%)

Cost: High

Ideal for: High-temperature, severe condition, and dynamic sealing applications.

Conventional NBR

Max Temperature: 100°C

Min Temperature: -40°C

Oil Resistance: Excellent

Ozone Resistance: Fair

Compression Set: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Ideal for: General applications with oils and moderate temperatures.

FKM (Viton®)

Max Temperature: 200°C

Min Temperature: -15°C

Oil Resistance: Excellent

Ozone Resistance: Excellent

Compression Set: Good

Cost: Very High

Ideal for: Extreme temperature and aggressive chemical applications.

Why choose HNBR? If your application requires extreme temperature resistance (-60°C to +160°C), excellent oil resistance, and low compression set in severe conditions, hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is the best choice. It surpasses NBR in thermal resistance and FKM in low-temperature flexibility and cost, offering an exceptional balance for automotive applications, heavy machinery, and oil & gas. At Everest Group, we advise you to choose the right material for your project. Contact us.

HNBR vs NBR: Technical Comparison

Detailed analysis of properties, performance, and applications to help you choose the right material

HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile) is the evolution of NBR (Nitrile) with superior thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and lower compression set

Technical Comparison Properties

Property	HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile)	NBR (Nitrile)
Typical Operating Temperature Range	-60°C to +160°C	-40°C to +100/120°C
Oil & Fuel Resistance	Excellent (better than NBR, especially with aromatic hydrocarbons)	Very good (standard for oils and fuels)
Thermal / Aging Resistance	Very good — excellent property retention against heat and ozone	Fair — degrades faster with heat and ozone
Compression Set Resistance	Better (lower permanent deformation)	Good but inferior to HNBR
Chemical Resistance (acids, bases, solvents)	Good against many chemicals; sensitive to ketones and some esters/chlorinated	Good against hydrocarbons; variable with other solvents (check compatibility)
Abrasion & Wear Resistance	Good — superior in dynamic applications	Good, but generally lower than HNBR
Mechanical Properties (tensile, elongation)	High strength and good elasticity depending on formulation	Good mechanical properties; more economical
Dimensional Stability	Better in severe conditions (heat, oil)	Less stable against thermal aging
Service Life	Longer in aggressive and high-temperature environments	Shorter in severe conditions
Processability (molding, extrusion)	Good; may require peroxide curing for best properties	Very good; sulfur curing common (more economical)
Curing	Peroxide or sulfur; peroxide improves thermal resistance	Sulfur curing (common)
Relative Cost	Higher	Lower (more economical)
Typical Recommended Applications	Engine seals, compressor seals, downhole tools, gaskets in high-temp/oil systems	Gaskets, O-rings, hoses, and parts with moderate thermal/chemical exposure
Compatibility with Modern Fuels	Generally good; evaluate case by case (biofuels, ethanol)	Variable; some biofuels affect performance — verify compatibility
Choose HNBR when higher heat, aging, and compression set resistance is required; justify by higher cost. Choose NBR for standard applications with good oil resistance and lower cost.

Need assistance selecting the optimal material for your application? Consult our technical team

Request HNBR or NBR Technical Data Sheet

Need Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) for Your Project?

At Everest Group, we have the solution you are looking for. From HNBR in rolls and sheets to custom seals, gaskets, and O-rings. Resistance from -60°C to +160°C, excellent oil and ozone resistance. ASTM certified. Get a quote in 24 hrs!

Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)? At Everest Group, we have compiled the most common questions and their answers for you. Just select a question and you will see the answer immediately.

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is a high-performance elastomer obtained by hydrogenating conventional nitrile (NBR). This process reduces double bonds in the molecular chain, giving it superior properties: high-temperature resistance (-60°C to +160°C), excellent oil and grease resistance, low compression set, and greater ozone resistance than NBR. It is ideal for demanding applications in automotive, heavy machinery, and oil & gas.

The main difference between HNBR and NBR is their thermal resistance and durability:

HNBR: Temperature range of -60°C to +160°C, better ozone and aging resistance, lower compression set (20% maximum). Ideal for severe conditions.
NBR: Temperature range of -40°C to +100/120°C, good oil resistance but lower thermal and ozone resistance. More economical.

HNBR is the evolution of NBR for applications requiring greater reliability and extreme temperature resistance.

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is used in applications requiring high temperature, oil, and severe condition resistance:

Automotive: Engine seals, under-hood gaskets, oil hoses, and components exposed to high temperatures.
Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic seals, gaskets for construction and mining equipment.
Oil & Gas: Drilling equipment, downhole tool seals, and offshore applications.
Aerospace: Hydraulic system seals and high-reliability components.
Chemical Industry: Gaskets resistant to aggressive chemicals.

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is available in rolls and sheets in different thicknesses and sizes to suit each project's needs. We also offer custom cutting and custom seal, gasket, and O-ring fabrication in HNBR. To learn about available options and receive a personalized quote, we invite you to contact us.

The choice between HNBR and FKM (Viton®) depends on the application:

HNBR: Offers better low-temperature flexibility (-60°C) and lower cost than FKM. Ideal for automotive and heavy machinery applications requiring oil resistance and moderate temperatures (up to +160°C).
FKM (Viton®): Offers higher resistance to extreme temperatures (up to +200°C) and aggressive chemicals. Higher cost and lower cold flexibility. Ideal for aerospace, chemical, and oil & gas applications in extreme conditions.

At Everest Group, we advise you to choose the optimal material for your application.

Yes. Everest Group ships hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) in rolls and sheets throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Spain. Delivery time depends on location and product availability. Contact us for shipping times and costs to your location.