NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
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.
PVC-U (Rigid PVC)
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride — the second-most produced plastic globally. Hard, rigid, self-extinguishing (LOI 45%), excellent chemical resistance to acids/bases/salts, and very low cost. Key limitation: max service temp only 60°C. Developed in 1930s Germany. Used for water/sewage pipes, window profiles, electrical conduit, cladding, and chemical tanks/fittings. NOT the flexible PVC used in cables — that is PVC-P (plasticized).
| NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 10350 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | PVC-U (Rigid PVC) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 7–24 | 48–55 | MPa |
| elongation | 200–600 | 30–50 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 40–90 | — | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) 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 PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and PVC-U (Rigid PVC) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace NBR (Nitrile Rubber) with PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
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 PVC-U (Rigid PVC)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. NBR (Nitrile Rubber) is a Polymers grade, while PVC-U (Rigid PVC) 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.