In the manufacture of hydraulic hoses, the choice of hose material is crucial, not only related to the conveying medium but also affected by the working environment. NBR (nitrile rubber) and EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) are the two most common rubber materials in hydraulic hoses, and they each have unique performance advantages. This article will compare NBR vs EPDM from many aspects to help you choose a more suitable hose type.
Differences between EPDM and NBR
Nitrile rubber is made by the polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile. The higher the acrylonitrile content, the stronger the oil resistance, but the lower the cold resistance.
EPDM rubber is made by the polymerization of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of olefin monomers. It belongs to the polyolefin family and has a high molecular chain saturation.
In terms of flexibility, NBR has a solid structure and moderate bending performance, while EPDM rubber is softer and can still maintain good elasticity at low temperatures. Therefore, EPDM has more advantages in low temperatures and occasions where frequent bending is required.
In terms of oil resistance, nitrile rubber performs very well and is particularly suitable for use in animal and vegetable oil and mineral oil environments, while EPDM is relatively poor in this regard and is not suitable for oil-based products.
Oil-resistant nitrile rubber
In terms of weather resistance, nitrile rubber is relatively poor and is easily affected by ozone and ultraviolet rays, while EPDM performs excellently and has strong resistance to ozone and sunlight aging.
In terms of temperature adaptability, nitrile rubber can be used between -40℃ and 100℃, while EPDM has a wider range, -55℃ to 135℃, and performs better in high-temperature steam environments.
In terms of chemical resistance, nitrile rubber has poor tolerance to weak acids and weak bases, while EPDM can tolerate acids, bases, alcohols and deionized water. Finally, in terms of electrical insulation, nitrile rubber is poor, while EPDM performs well.
Heat-resistant EPDM rubber
Cost and service life
NBR: moderately priced, with a service life of 3 to 5 years if properly maintained.
EPDM: slightly higher cost, but longer service life in harsh environments, up to more than 5 years.
In practical applications, nitrile rubber is mainly used for oil-resistant seals, such as O-rings, as well as fuel hose, hydraulic system components, printing rubber rollers and oil-resistant gloves, while EPDM is commonly used in automotive doors and windows, sealing strips, radiator hoses, outdoor cable insulation, roof waterproofing materials, and seals that need to resist steam and hot water environments, including steam hoses.
Common applications of NBR (nitrile rubber) hydraulic hoses
Due to the oil resistance and high cost-effectiveness of nitrile rubber hydraulic hoses, they are often used for:
Construction machinery to transport mineral-based hydraulic oil (such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers),
Agricultural equipment such as harvesters, tractors, etc.,
It is also often used to transport oil during oil extraction and transportation
NBR rubber hydraulic hose
Application scenarios of EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) hydraulic hose
Due to its high temperature resistance, ozone resistance, water vapor resistance and other characteristics, EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber) hydraulic hose is often used for:
Transporting coolant in automotive air conditioning or cooling systems or acting as a radiator hose,
Transporting food, chemicals, etc. in food or environmentally friendly equipment
Transporting high-temperature steam or brake fluid in railway freight and public transportation
EPDM radiator hose
How to choose NBR hose or EPDM hose?
When choosing, it is recommended to choose nitrile rubber hose for contact with oil, moderate temperature and cost-conscious situations, and EPDM hose for outdoor use, ozone resistance or high temperature environment.
As a hydraulic hose manufacturer, we can customize the production of hydraulic hoses according to the different environments of the customer’s hydraulic system.