Can NBR be used outdoors?

Not for long in sunlight; ozone cracks it. Use EPDM or neoprene for outdoor parts.

Is NBR good for hot water?

For warm water, yes; for hot water and steam, EPDM is better.

Hydrogenated nitrile: a stronger version that handles higher temperatures and ozone better, at a higher price.

NBR (nitrile) rubber: oil resistance, temperature, uses

NBR, or nitrile rubber, is the most common rubber for oil and fuel. It resists mineral oils, greases, diesel and petrol, and is cheap and easy to mould, so most O-rings, oil seals, gaskets and hydraulic seals are made of it. It does not suit ozone, sunlight, strong acids or brake fluid, and works from about −30 to +100 °C.

Quick facts

Good with: Mineral oils, grease, diesel, petrol, water
Not good with: Ozone, sunlight, brake fluid (glycol), ketones, strong acids
Temperature: About −30 to +100 °C (about 120 °C short term)
Hardness: About 40–90 Shore A
Cost: Low
Colour: Usually black

NBR, EPDM, silicone or Viton?

	NBR	EPDM	Silicone	Viton (FKM)
Oil and fuel	Very good	Poor	Poor	Excellent
Water and steam	Fair	Excellent	Fair	Fair
Weather and ozone	Poor	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Temperature	About −30 to 100 °C	About −40 to 150 °C	About −60 to 200 °C	About −20 to 200 °C
Cost	Low	Low	Medium	High

Values are typical for general-purpose compounds. Each compound differs; ask the moulder for its data sheet when it matters.

Typical uses

O-rings and hydraulic seals
Oil seals and gaskets
Fuel and oil hoses
Rubber parts in engines and gearboxes

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Questions

Can NBR be used outdoors?: Not for long in sunlight; ozone cracks it. Use EPDM or neoprene for outdoor parts.
Is NBR good for hot water?: For warm water, yes; for hot water and steam, EPDM is better.
What is HNBR?: Hydrogenated nitrile: a stronger version that handles higher temperatures and ozone better, at a higher price.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 29 October 2026.