Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 % | A | – | |
| 70 % | B* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of NBR to Glycolic Acid is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (37 %, 70 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from A at lower concentrations to B at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. 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
Glycolic Acid is commonly encountered in chemical processing and metal finishing. 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 suitable for use with Glycolic Acid under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider HDPE, LDPE, PP instead, which are rated A for this chemical.
Did you know?
Nitrile butadiene rubber was first developed in the 1930s and remains one of the most widely used elastomers in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 70 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE A, PP A, LDPE A, Polycarbonate B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF B, FEP A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium B
About NBR
Nitrile rubber resists mineral oils and fuels. Ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents, strong oxidisers and ozone attack it.
Rating scale
- A very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
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.