NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs PE-UHMW: 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs PE-UHMW
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
NBR (Nitrile Rubber)
Nitrile butadiene rubber (Buna-N) — THE oil and fuel resistant elastomer. ACN content (18-50%) determines the oil resistance vs low-temp flexibility tradeoff. Higher ACN = better oil resistance but stiffer at low temp. The most widely used seal material worldwide. Used for O-rings, fuel hoses, gaskets, hydraulic seals, oil seals, and nitrile gloves. Not suitable for ozone, UV, or polar solvents (ketones, esters). HNBR variant for higher heat resistance.
PE-UHMW
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).
| NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | PE-UHMW | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 11542 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | PE-UHMW | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 7–24 | 39–48 | MPa |
| elongation | 200–600 | 250–450 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 40–90 | — | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and PE-UHMW have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NBR (Nitrile Rubber) the same as PE-UHMW?
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and PE-UHMW have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace NBR (Nitrile Rubber) with PE-UHMW?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and PE-UHMW?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. NBR (Nitrile Rubber) is a Polymers grade, while PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.