What is Nitrile and What are Its Limitations?

Originally developed as an alternative to natural rubber and latex, nitrile has become a key material in applications ranging from automotive parts to disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves are popular across many industries for their qualities of durability, strength, comfort, and resistance to oils, fuels, and some chemicals.

But what is nitrile actually made from – and does it have any limitations?

What is Nitrile?

Nitrile or NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber; a copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The proportion of ACN in the polymer can vary, which influences the properties of the final nitrile material. A higher ACN content generally increases the material’s resistance to oils and chemicals, while a lower ACN content improves flexibility at lower temperatures.

One of the most common uses of nitrile is for the production of disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves are widely used in medical, laboratory, automotive, and food-handling environments. As well as disposable gloves, nitrile is used to make seals, gaskets, hoses, O-rings, and other similar automotive and plumbing components that require high-performance materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions.

Nitrile: Key Properties and Benefits

Nitrile is preferred for many applications because of its unique set of properties:

1. Chemical Resistance: Nitrile resists degradation from many oils, greases, and chemicals, making it ideal for automotive and industrial applications.

2. Puncture Resistance: Especially when used in glove form, nitrile offers better puncture resistance than latex or vinyl.

3. Hypoallergenic: Unlike latex, nitrile does not contain natural latex rubber proteins that can cause allergic reactions and sensitivity.

4. Temperature Tolerance: Nitrile performs well over a wide range of temperatures between -40°C to 108°C (-40°F to 226°F), depending on its specific formulation.

5. Durability: Nitrile rubber is known for its longevity and resistance to physical deterioration.

Thanks to these characteristics, nitrile is often chosen when safety, longevity, and chemical resistance are priorities.

Does Nitrile Have Any Limitations?

Despite its many strengths, nitrile does have certain limitations. Understanding these is essential when selecting materials for specific applications.

They include:

1. Poor Ozone and UV Resistance: Nitrile is not particularly resistant to ozone, UV (sunlight), or weathering. Over time, exposure to these elements can cause the material to crack or degrade. For outdoor applications or use in environments with constant sun exposure, other rubbers like EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) may be more suitable.

2. Limited Low-Temperature Flexibility: While nitrile can tolerate an impressive temperature range, it becomes brittle in extreme cold, especially if the acrylonitrile content is high. This translates to a reduced performance in sub-zero environments.

3. Environmental Impact: Made from petrochemicals, nitrile is not biodegradable. As such, its environmental impact is larger than that of some alternative materials. Disposal and recycling of nitrile can be challenging, which is of particular concern for single-use items like disposable gloves.

4. Cost: Nitrile gloves are generally more expensive than vinyl and latex gloves, especially during periods of high demand, such as during health crises. This must be a consideration in cost-sensitive circumstances.

5. Chemical Sensitivity: Although nitrile has excellent overall chemical resistance, it is not impervious to all substances. It can still experience damage when exposed to strong oxidizing agents, ketones, and certain acids and hydrocarbons.

Summary

A highly versatile synthetic rubber with widespread use across many sectors, nitrile is resistant to oils, chemicals, tears and punctures. It offers many distinct advantages over natural rubber and other synthetic alternatives, particularly in terms of safety and durability. However, it does have some limitations, including poor UV resistance, brittleness in extreme cold, and environmental sustainability concerns. Understanding both its strengths and weaknesses enables consumers to make informed choices when selecting disposable glove materials for their unique needs.