| Polymer type | Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) | Commonly used for static and dynamic seals in machinery, hydraulic systems, and general industrial equipment. | Compound formulation affects performance; confirm the grade against the operating conditions. |
| Acrylonitrile (ACN) content | Approximately 18–50% by weight across commonly available grades | Higher ACN generally improves resistance to oils and fuels, while lower ACN generally improves low-temperature flexibility. | Balance fluid compatibility with minimum service temperature; exact trade-offs depend on the compound. |
| Hardness | Commonly 40–90 Shore A | Affects sealing force, extrusion resistance, and the ability to accommodate pressure and surface irregularities. | Specify the test method and tolerance; hardness alone does not determine seal performance. |
| Operating temperature | A typical general-purpose range is about −30°C to +100°C; some specialty compounds extend beyond this range. | Temperature limits influence seal flexibility, aging, and resistance to permanent deformation. | Verify the compound’s specified limits in the actual fluid and duty cycle; continuous and intermittent limits may differ. |
| Oil and fuel resistance | Generally good in many petroleum-based oils, greases, and fuels | Supports use in lubrication, automotive, fluid-power, and general equipment applications. | Compatibility varies by fluid composition, temperature, and exposure time. Check the specific fluid compatibility data. |
| Tensile strength | Often approximately 10–25 MPa for general NBR compounds | Indicates resistance to tensile stress during handling, installation, and service. | Values depend on formulation and test method; use the supplier’s compound specification for acceptance limits. |
| Elongation at break | Often approximately 100–600% for general NBR compounds | Provides an indication of stretch capacity and material extensibility. | Do not exceed the recommended installation stretch; repeated or excessive stretching can damage a seal. |
| Compression set | Compound- and test-condition-dependent; no single value applies to all NBR O-rings. | Lower compression set generally helps a seal recover after prolonged compression. | Compare test results at the same temperature, duration, and method when evaluating compounds. |
| Weathering and ozone resistance | Generally limited compared with ozone-resistant elastomers | Outdoor exposure may cause surface cracking or premature aging. | For sustained outdoor, sunlight, or ozone exposure, consider a more suitable elastomer or protective design. |
| Common size standards | AS568 and ISO 3601 are widely used O-ring dimensional standards. | Standardized dimensions support interchangeability in compatible gland designs. | Confirm the standard, size designation, tolerances, and gland requirements before ordering. |