Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK: Properties, Grades, Applications & Complete Buyer's Guide 2026
Nitrile rubber sheet — also known as NBR rubber, Buna-N, or nitrile butadiene rubber sheet — is one of the most widely used specialist rubber compounds in UK industry. Prized above all else for its exceptional resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids, nitrile rubber sheet is the go-to choice anywhere petroleum contact is a concern: machine shops, vehicle workshops, hydraulic engineering, fuel handling, and food processing using animal fats and oils.
This guide covers everything you need to know about nitrile rubber sheet: what it is, how it compares to other rubber compounds, the grades and specifications available in the UK, and how to choose the right sheet for your application.
What Is Nitrile Rubber Sheet?
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a synthetic elastomer produced by the copolymerisation of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The ratio of these two monomers determines the compound’s properties: higher ACN content (up to 50%) delivers superior oil and fuel resistance but reduces low-temperature flexibility; lower ACN content (18–26%) improves cold-weather performance but reduces oil resistance.
Standard UK nitrile rubber sheet typically uses medium ACN content (33–36%), balancing oil resistance with workable flexibility across typical UK operating temperatures (-30°C to +100°C in continuous service; short spikes to +120°C).
Key Properties of Nitrile Rubber Sheet
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Oil & Fuel Resistance | Excellent — best of all common elastomers for petroleum oils |
| Hydraulic Fluid Resistance | Excellent — mineral-based hydraulic oils |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to +100°C continuous / +120°C intermittent |
| Tensile Strength | Good — 15–25 MPa depending on grade |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good |
| Weather / UV / Ozone | Poor — not recommended for outdoor exposure without protection |
| Water Resistance | Good |
| Acid / Alkali | Moderate — depends on concentration and grade |
| Hardness (typical) | 40–80 Shore A (most standard grades: 60–70°) |
What Is Nitrile Rubber Sheet Used For?
Nitrile rubber sheet is specified across a wide range of UK industries wherever petroleum products, hydraulic fluids, or animal fats are present:
Engineering & Maintenance
- Gaskets and seals — the dominant use case; nitrile gasket sheet is standard in flanged pipe joints, compressor housings, pump casings, and gearboxes where mineral oil is present
- Hydraulic system gaskets — cylinder head covers, hydraulic pump housings, manifold seals
- Machine base pads — anti-vibration matting under oil-wetted machinery
Automotive & Vehicle
- Workshop matting — nitrile rubber matting is the correct choice for vehicle workshops, not SBR (which swells and degrades in oil contact)
- Fuel system components — diaphragms, seals, and gaskets for carburettors, fuel pumps, and injection systems
- Transmission mounts and pads
Food Industry
- Food-grade nitrile sheet — white or blue nitrile compounds approved to FDA 21 CFR and/or EC Regulation 10/2011 for contact with fatty foods, oils, butter, and meat products
- Cutting surfaces and gaskets in food production equipment involving animal fats
- Note: standard black nitrile sheet is NOT food safe — you need specifically certified food-grade nitrile
Aerospace & Defence
- Fuel cell linings, aviation hydraulic system seals (DERD specs)
- Barrier materials for JP fuels and aviation lubricants
Nitrile vs Neoprene vs EPDM: Which Should You Choose?
The three most common synthetic rubber sheets in UK industry each have a distinct performance profile:
| Property | Nitrile (NBR) | Neoprene (CR) | EPDM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil/Fuel Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Weather/Ozone | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Water Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Temperature Range | -30 to +100°C | -40 to +120°C | -40 to +130°C |
| Flame Resistance | Poor | Good | Moderate |
| Relative Cost | Medium | Medium-High | Medium |
Rule of thumb: If oil or fuel is present → nitrile. If outdoors and weathering is the issue → EPDM. If you need both moderate oil resistance and outdoor durability → neoprene.
Nitrile Rubber Sheet Grades Available in the UK
Standard Industrial Black Nitrile Sheet
The most common form: black, 60–70 Shore A, available in sheets and rolls. Suitable for gaskets, seals, industrial matting in oil-splash environments, anti-vibration pads, and general engineering use where petroleum contact is a factor.
WRAS-Approved Nitrile Sheet
For use in potable water systems (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme approved). Correct for drinking water pump seals, valve gaskets, and water treatment plant components. Distinct from standard nitrile — the WRAS certification must be checked.
Food-Grade Nitrile Sheet
White or blue compound certified to FDA 21 CFR / EC 10/2011 for food contact (particularly fatty foods, oils, and dairy). Used in food processing equipment gaskets, cutting boards, and conveyor seals. Do not substitute standard black nitrile in food applications.
High Nitrile Content Sheet
Higher ACN content (40–50%) for maximum fuel and solvent resistance. Used in fuel dispensing, aviation ground equipment, and tank linings. Higher cost; more brittle at low temperatures.
Nitrile/PVC Blend Sheet
Blended with PVC for enhanced ozone and UV resistance (addressing nitrile’s main weakness). Slightly reduced oil resistance vs pure NBR but much improved outdoor durability. Used in weather-facing applications requiring oil resistance.
What Thickness Nitrile Sheet Do I Need?
| Application | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| Flange gaskets (low pressure) | 1.5mm – 3mm |
| Flange gaskets (medium/high pressure) | 3mm – 6mm |
| Pump cover gaskets | 1.5mm – 3mm |
| Workshop matting / machine base pads | 6mm – 12mm |
| Anti-vibration pads | 10mm – 25mm |
| Diaphragms (pump/valve) | 0.5mm – 3mm |
Cutting Nitrile Rubber Sheet
Nitrile sheet cuts cleanly with standard tooling:
- Scissors or craft knife — for thin sheet (up to 3mm) when straight cuts are needed
- Die cutting / punch cutting — the professional method for gaskets; produces clean, consistent bores and ODs
- CNC waterjet cutting — for complex shapes and high-volume production; available from specialist fabricators
- Hole punches — bolt-hole punches in standard metric sizes for flange gaskets
Rubberco supplies nitrile sheet cut to your required sheet size. For custom-cut gaskets, contact our technical team.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK
Is nitrile rubber sheet the same as NBR sheet?
Yes. Nitrile rubber, NBR, Buna-N, and nitrile butadiene rubber are all the same material. The acronym NBR (from the German Nitrilkautschuk-Butadien-Rubber) is widely used in technical specifications.
Can I use nitrile rubber sheet outside?
Standard nitrile has poor UV and ozone resistance and will crack over time if exposed to direct sunlight and weathering. For outdoor applications with oil exposure, use a nitrile/PVC blend or neoprene instead. For outdoor applications without oil, use EPDM.
Is black nitrile sheet food safe?
No — standard black nitrile is not food grade. For food contact applications, you need food-grade nitrile sheet certified to FDA 21 CFR or EC Regulation 10/2011. These are typically white or blue and available as a specific product line.
What is the maximum temperature for nitrile rubber sheet?
Standard nitrile sheet handles continuous service to +100°C, with intermittent peaks to +120°C. For higher temperatures, consider silicone rubber sheet (to +230°C) or fluoroelastomer (Viton) sheet (to +200°C).
Can nitrile sheet be used for diesel gaskets?
Yes — nitrile is the standard choice for diesel fuel system gaskets. It resists diesel fuel, bio-diesel blends, and diesel engine oils well. Use a minimum 3mm grade for flange gaskets; 1.5mm for cover gaskets.
Buy Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK — Cut to Size from Rubberco
UK-stocked nitrile rubber sheet available in multiple grades and thicknesses, cut to your required size with no minimum order:
- Rubber Sheeting — full range including nitrile, EPDM, neoprene, silicone, and natural rubber
- Rubber Matting — industrial rubber matting for workshops, vehicle bays, and machine rooms
- Anti-Fatigue Mats — nitrile-compound workshop mats for prolonged standing areas
About the Author
Rubberco Flooring Experts — Our team of rubber flooring specialists has years of hands-on experience with industrial, commercial and domestic flooring solutions. All our guides are reviewed for technical accuracy against current UK standards.
Shop Gym Flooring at Rubberco
Heavy-duty rubber tiles, rolls & mats for home gyms and commercial facilities. 6mm–20mm+. Free UK delivery.
View Gym Flooring Range →Shop Rubber Flooring at Rubberco
Rolls, tiles & mats for gyms, garages, industry & commercial use. Cut to any size. R11 rated. Free UK delivery.
View Rubber Flooring Range →Related Guides
- Rubber Sheeting UK — Full Compound Guide: All Compounds Compared
- Nitrile vs EPDM vs Neoprene: Which Rubber Sheet Is Right for You?
- Rubber Flooring for Garages & Car Workshops — Nitrile & Oil Resistance Guide
- Rubber Flooring for Food Production UK
Shop: Rubber Sheeting UK | Industrial Floor Mats | Anti-Fatigue Mats
