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NBR and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Chemical Resistance

Nitrile butadiene rubber

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
concentration not statedDD
FR, 80°CDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Material comparison at 20 °CNBR: D (highlighted); Aluminium: A; ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; HDPE: A; Nylon (PA): A.Aluminium: AECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AHDPE: ANylon (PA): APETG: AAcetal (POM): APolysulfone: APTFE: APVDF: ASS 304: ASS 316: AViton (FPM): BPP: BEPDM: CLDPE: CNBR: DNBRPolycarbonate: DPolystyrene: DPVC Rigid: DPVC Flexible: DPMP: –SAN: –Silicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

NBR maintains a consistent rating of D across all 2 tested concentrations (FR, 80°C) of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) at 20 °C. The fact that the rating does not change with concentration within the tested range simplifies material selection, though the boundary conditions beyond this range remain untested. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.

Application context

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) is commonly encountered in food processing and chemical storage. NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.

Practical recommendation

NBR is not recommended for use with Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using HDPE, Nylon (PA), PETG instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.

Did you know?

Chemical resistance testing according to DIN and ISO standards typically evaluates weight change, dimensional change, and retention of tensile strength after immersion.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for concentration not stated, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP B, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, Polysulfone A, PETG A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
Viton (FPM) B
Metals
SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A

About NBR

Nitrile rubber resists mineral oils and fuels. Ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, strong oxidisers and ozone attack it.

Rating scale

A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.

About this data

The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.

A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.