5/7/2018 Nitrile vs. Neoprene | What's the Difference?

| Rubber and Elastomers | Elasto Proxy

Nitrile vs. Neoprene: What’s the Difference?

This entry was posted on March 12, 2018 by Elasto Proxy Inc..

What’s the
difference
between nitrile
and neoprene
for seals,
gaskets, and
insulation? Both
elastomers
provide good
resistance to
compression set
and tearing.
They withstand
the same range
of service
temperatures,
too. Some
grades of neoprene offer excellent resistance to abrasion, but nitrile is known for its abrasion
resistance at elevated temperatures.

Nitrile and neoprene rubber have many similarities, but there are some important differences
between these elastomers. In this article from Elasto Proxy, you’ll learn when nitrile is
recommended and when neoprene is used. You’ll also compare these common compounds across
all a full list of material properties so that you can make the right choice for your application.

Nitrile vs. Neoprene: Material Properties

Nitrile offers excellent oil and solvent resistance across a wide temperature range. This synthetic
elastomer has very good resistance to engine oil and gasoline, very good resistance to alkalis and
acids, and superior resistance to petroleum-based hydraulic fluids. Neoprene offers moderate
resistance to oils and petroleum products, but provides significantly greater resistance to sunlight,
ozone, and weather.

The differences don’t end there. Nitrile rubber has poor flame resistance. By contrast, neoprene
provides very good-to-excellent resistance against the spread of flame. Nitrile is attacked by
sunlight, ozone, and weather, but neoprene provides reliable resistance against these
environmental conditions. Yet neither rubber resists aromatics or ketones, two types of organic
compounds.

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As the following table shows, nitrile and neoprene are both similar and different in terms of
properties.

Nitrile Neoprene
General Information
Common Names Nitrile, Buna-N, NBR Neoprene
Chemical Names Acrylonitrile-butadiene polychloroprene
ASTM D-2000 BF, BG, BK, CH BC, BE
Classification

Physical Properties
Elongation 400% to 600% 100% to 800%
Hardness (Shore A) 35 to 90 15 to 95

Mechanical Properties
Compression Set Good Good
Rebound Rating Good Fair to Very Good
Flex Cracking Resistance Good Good to Very Good
Abrasion Resistance Good to Excellent Very Good to Excellent
Tear Resistance Good Good
Impact Resistance Fair to Good Good to Excellent
Flame Resistance Poor Very Good to Excellent

Thermal Properties
Minimum Service -30° F to -70° F -30° F to -70° F
Temperature
Maximum Service +220° F to +280°F +220° F to +280° F
Temperature

Environmental
Resistance
Weather Poor Good
Sunlight Poor Good to Very Good
Ozone Poor Good
Oxidation Good Good
Water Good to Excellent Excellent
Steam Fair Poor to Good
Gas Permeability Fair to Good Fair to Good

Chemical Resistance

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Generally Resistant To Gases, Aliphatic Moderate chemicals and

Hydrocarbon, Oils and acids, ozone, oils, fats,
Fuels greases, and solvents
Generally Attacked By Ketones, Ozone, Sunlight, Esters, ketones, and
Aromatic Oil, Flame, chlorinated, aromatic, and
Weather nitro hydrocarbons

Nitrile vs. Neoprene: Applications

Nitrile rubber is recommended for applications that require oil and fuel resistance, abrasion
resistance, and temperature resistance up to 280° F. In mobile equipment and military vehicles,
nitrile seals or gaskets are used in carburetor diaphragms, fuel systems, and hydraulic hoses. Nitrile
also supports rubber-to-metal bonding, which makes it a good choice for applications in the
processing industry. Yet nitrile isn’t recommended for sealing and insulation that requires resistance
to fire, sunlight, ozone, or weather.

Neoprene rubber resists fire and withstands sunlight, ozone, and weather. Specific grades of
neoprene can also meet flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements for the mass transit industry.
Applications include door seals, window seals, hose covers, vibration mounts, and shock absorbers.
Neoprene is also used with HVAC units, electrical or electronic enclosures, and weather stripping
for fire doors. Additional applications include expansion joints and bearing pads in built structures.

Nitrile vs. Neoprene: Make the Right Choice

Compound selection is critical because choosing the wrong rubber can cause more than just a
component-level failure. Are you wondering whether nitrile or neoprene is the right elastomer for
your application? Do you need custom-fabricated sealing solutions that add value and reduce risk?
Then it’s time to talk to Elasto Proxy. Contact us to discuss your application.

This entry was posted in Rubber 101 and tagged nitrile, neoprene on March 12, 2018 by Elasto
Proxy Inc..

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