Nitrile Rubber Life Cycle Study

The application of elastomers in the transport industry has an outstanding relevance being this type of material an alternative for metallic materials to reduce weight. In this study an acrylonitrile-butadiene vulcanized rubber (NBR) has been chosen as a possible substitute for applications in contact with fuel. NBR rubber have a high resistance to aromatic fluids given by the nitrile groups (HCN). In spite of this resistance, the nitrile groups (HCN) are also a weak point in the rubber as it is  susceptible to ozone oxidation. A study was carried out in order to identify and evaluate the effect of environment and mechanical impact on NBR life cycle during performance. During this study NBR was exposed to ozone, low temperature and high temperature, aromatic fluids (fuel and oils), internal pressurization and mechanical impacts. Mechanical and chemical behavior were analyzed for each sample. The samples were also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was concluded that NBR is susceptible to some environmental and mechanical factors, that combined, can reduce the elastomer life cycle by accelerated aging.