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Why is nitrile rubber suitable for fuel hoses and gaskets?

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Nitrile rubber (NBR) is highly suitable for fuel hoses and gaskets primarily due to its exceptional resistance to swelling when in contact with hydrocarbon oils, solvents, and greases.12

This elastomer is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Its performance characteristics are directly tied to its chemical composition: as the concentration of acrylonitrile increases within the copolymer, the material exhibits greater strength, lower gas permeability, and enhanced resistance to degradation by oils. These properties make it an ideal material for automotive seals, tank linings, and industrial hoses designed to transport gasoline and other oil-based products.12