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NBR and Hydrogen Fluoride: Chemical Resistance

Nitrile butadiene rubber

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
anhydrousDD

Material comparison at 20 °C

Hydrogen Fluoride: Material comparison at 20 °CNBR: D (highlighted); FEP: A; PTFE: A; PP: B; EPDM: C; Viton (FPM): C.FEP: APTFE: APP: BEPDM: CViton (FPM): CSS 304: CSS 316: CAluminium: DNBR: DNBRNylon (PA): DPolycarbonate: DPETG: DAcetal (POM): DPolysulfone: DECTFE/ETFE: –HDPE: –LDPE: –PMP: –Polystyrene: –PVC Rigid: –PVC Flexible: –PVDF: –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 is not resistant (D) to Hydrogen Fluoride at anhydrous and should not be used in direct contact. The chemical is expected to cause rapid degradation, which can include dissolution, cracking, severe swelling, or complete structural failure of the material.

Application context

Hydrogen Fluoride is commonly encountered in chemical storage and de-icing. NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. Because Hydrogen Fluoride is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

NBR is not recommended for use with Hydrogen Fluoride. 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 FEP, PTFE 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 anhydrous, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
PP B
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, FEP 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.