NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
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.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer — bridges the gap between rubber and rigid plastics. Exceptional abrasion resistance, high elongation (300-700%), and good oil/grease resistance. Available in wide hardness range (60 Shore A to 74 Shore D). Ester-based: better oil resistance. Ether-based: better hydrolysis/microbial resistance. Major trade names: Elastollan (BASF), Desmopan/Texin (Covestro), Estane (Lubrizol). Used for seals, hoses, cable jackets, shoe soles, phone cases, wheels/rollers, and 3D printing filament.
| NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 527-1 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butadiene | 50–82% | — | — |
| Acrylonitrile (ACN) | 18–50% | — | — |
| Diisocyanate (MDI/TDI) | — | 20–45% | — |
| Polyol (Polyester/Polyether) | — | 45–75% | — |
| Chain Extender (BDO/HDO) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeMechanical properties — Pro
| Property | NBR (Nitrile Rubber) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 7–24 | 30–50 | MPa |
| Elongation | 200–600 | 400–700 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 40–90 | 80–90 | Shore A |
| Density | |||
| continuous_service_temp | |||
| Elastic Modulus |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) 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 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
NBR (Nitrile Rubber) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace NBR (Nitrile Rubber) with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
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 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. NBR (Nitrile Rubber) is a Polymers grade, while TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a Polymers grade.
View full data for each material:
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.