Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber for Improved Durability of Automotive Rubber Parts

Rubber articles with improved heat resistance and better performance characteristics are becoming of increasing importance for the automotive industry. A new type of elastomer has therefore been developed based on saturated hydrocarbon backbone - for improved heat resistance - with nitrile side groups providing good resistance to swelling. Some of the typical characteristics of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) vulcanizates such as good physical properties pattern at elevated low temperatures, dynamic properties, ozone resistance and swelling in automotive fluids will be discussed. Potential applications are suggested to improve the performance of various rubber parts used in automotive applications such as high performance seals, hoses for hydraulic systems and oil contact, chain tensioners, timing belts and power transmission belts.