Why is NBR foam tube "double excellent" in oil resistance and aging resistance?
Publish Time: 2025-07-08
Among many industrial materials, NBR foam tube is favored for its excellent oil resistance and aging resistance. It is widely used in automobiles, construction, refrigeration equipment and new energy, and has become an indispensable insulation and sealing material in many key systems.1. Basic material of NBR foam tube: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)NBR foam tube is a closed-cell foam material made of nitrile rubber (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) as the main raw material. Nitrile Butadiene Rubber is made of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene (BD) through emulsion polymerization. Among them, the acrylonitrile content is an important factor in determining its oil resistance. Generally speaking, the higher the acrylonitrile content, the better the oil resistance of the material, but the elasticity will decrease. Therefore, in actual production, the proportion of acrylonitrile will be adjusted according to the use requirements to achieve the best balance of performance.2. Reasons for excellent oil resistanceThe reason why NBR has excellent oil resistance is mainly due to the cyano group (-CN) contained in its molecular chain. This polar group makes NBR have strong anti-swelling ability against non-polar or weakly polar media such as mineral oil, lubricating oil, and fuel. In contrast, materials such as natural rubber and chloroprene rubber are prone to swelling, softening, or even decomposition when in contact with oily substances, while NBR can maintain good physical properties.In addition, the closed-cell structure of NBR foam tube also enhances its oil resistance. The closed-cell structure means that the bubbles inside the material are isolated from each other, forming an effective barrier to prevent oil from penetrating into the material, thereby avoiding deformation or failure of the material caused by oil penetration.3. Source of aging resistanceIn addition to oil resistance, NBR foam tube also performs well in aging resistance. Aging refers to the phenomenon that the performance of a material gradually deteriorates under long-term exposure to environmental factors such as light, heat, oxygen, and ozone. The reason why NBR material has good aging resistance is mainly due to the following reasons:First, the number of double bonds in the NBR molecular chain is relatively small, and it is less susceptible to oxidation damage than natural rubber. Secondly, antioxidants, antioxidants and other stabilizing ingredients are usually added to the formula during the production process, further enhancing its ability to resist external environmental erosion.In addition, the dense cortical structure on the surface of NBR foam tube can also effectively block ultraviolet rays and harmful gases in the air, thereby delaying the aging process of the material. This structure is particularly critical in outdoor or high-temperature environments, and can significantly extend the service life of the product.4. Application value brought by comprehensive performance advantagesIt is precisely because of the "double excellence" performance of NBR foam tube in oil resistance and aging resistance that it has been widely used in many high-demand industries. For example, in automobile manufacturing, it is often used for insulation and sealing of engine compartments and air-conditioning systems; in the construction field, it is used as insulation material for ventilation ducts and cold water systems; and in new energy battery packs, it plays an important role in shock absorption, heat insulation and protection.At the same time, NBR foam tube also has good elasticity and flexibility, is easy to install, and is not easy to crack and fall off. These characteristics further enhance its applicability under complex working conditions.5. Future Development DirectionWith increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the continuous improvement of material performance requirements in various industries, NBR foam tubes are also being optimized and upgraded. For example, in recent years, some manufacturers have begun to develop low-smoke halogen-free NBR foam tubes to meet fire safety standards; some companies are exploring the introduction of renewable resources into NBR formulas to promote green and sustainable development.In addition, the trend of intelligence has also prompted NBR foam tubes to develop in a multifunctional direction, such as integrating thermal conductive fillers to improve thermal management efficiency, or combining sensor technology to achieve status monitoring functions. These innovations will further broaden the application boundaries of NBR foam tubes and consolidate their position in the high-end field.In summary, the reason why NBR foam tubes can achieve "double excellence" in oil resistance and aging resistance is not only due to their unique molecular structure and material properties, but also inseparable from scientific production processes and reasonable formula design.
