Buna-N (NBR) vs Silicone for O-Rings and Seals

Buna-N (NBR, Nitrile, Buna)

Silicone (VMQ, SIL)

Description
Both materials are well suited for use in the -35 to 125°C range. Buna-N has an advantage in lower temperatures and Silicone has an advantage in higher temperatures. Marco offers specific compound formulations extending these ranges even futher as can be seen in the following compound comparison chart. When comparing these materials with respect to electrical current resistance, Silicone has a significant advantage. The differences in compression set resistence show that Silicone has a slight advantage. Additionally, Silicone has a slight advantage when considering wear resistance. Also, Silicone has a slight advantage when comparing heat stability. Furthermore, Buna-N has a significant advantage when comparing short term resilience. Finally, Buna-N has a significant advantage when evaluating differences in permeation resilience. Both materials are resistant to vegetable oils, greases and silicone oils, with Buna-N having specific resistences to acids, solvents, common fuels, mineral oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons, diluted alkalies, hydraulic fluids, water, petroleum oils, ethylene glycol fluids, di-ester lubricants and alcohols. Silicone has specific resistence to ozone, compression set, weathering and sunlight, animal oils, oxygen, fungal growth, ketones, brake fluids, dry heat, wide temperature range, non-toxic and odorless.
Compounds
Marco
Compound
Number
DatasheetHardness
(Shore A)
ColorLow TempHigh TempFeatures
Compound: B1000Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: Lowest cost highest inventory general purpose commodity NBR compound. Compare to Parker N1470-70 and N0674-70 and Parco 4200-70 and 4900-70. Available in nearly any color and hardness.
Compound: B1001Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: General purpose, higher pressure applications. Compare to Parker N0552-90 and N1490-90 and Parco 4200-90 and 4900-90.
Compound: B1002Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600. Compare to Parker N0508-75 and N1069-70.
Compound: B1005Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: FDA compliant, higher hardness.
Compound: B1006Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 50Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: General purpose, lower hardness for lower closure force applications. FDA compliant and alternative colors available. Compare to Parker N0299-50.
Compound: B1010Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 80Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
225 °F
(110 °C)
Description: General purpose, higher hardness. Compare to Parker N0368-80.
Compound: B1011Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: Internally lubricated with PTFE to reduce friction. Silicone oil and Moly (MOS2) internal lubricants available. Alternative hardness and colors also available.
Compound: B1017Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-35 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: UL 157 listed for several approved uses.
Compound: B1039Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: WhiteLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description:
Compound: B1058Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: NSF 61 certified for drinking water applications.
Compound: B1063Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 95Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: Very high hardness for extreme pressure applications.
Compound: B1083Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
275 °F
(135 °C)
Description: Improved lower and higher temperature resistance and improved oil resistance at higher temperature. Compare to Parker N0794-75 and M83461 and Parco 4367-70.
Compound: B1105Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: Metal detectable for contamination detection sensors. FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600. Formulated for food contact and life science applications. Additional colors available.
Compound: B1115Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlueLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description:
Compound: B1122Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-30 °F
(-35 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: NSF 51 certified for food contact.
Compound: M1000Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
275 °F
(135 °C)
Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS-P-25732, MS28775-### per MIL-P-25732C-(1).
Compound: M1001Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
275 °F
(135 °C)
Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS-P-83461, M83461/1-### per MIL-P-83461B#3. Improved low temperature resistance and hydraulic fluid resistance.
Compound: M1002Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 65Color: BlackLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
250 °F
(125 °C)
Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) MS29513-###, MS29512-##, AMS-P-5315B.
Compound: M1004Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
275 °F
(135 °C)
Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) MS28778, AMS-P-5510C.
Compound: M1005Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 65Color: BlackLow Temp:
-70 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
200 °F
(95 °C)
Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS7271, AS3578.
Compound: S1000Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose and FDA compliant Silicone per 21 CFR 177.2600   (available in nearly any color and durometer)
Compound: S1001Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1004Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 40Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose softer than standard Silicone to seal rough or warped glands and or low closure force applications
Compound: S1015Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
600 °F
(320 °C)
Description: Higher temperature resistant Silicone
Compound: S1020Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Clear-Translucent and FDA compliant Silicone per 21 CFR 177.2600
Compound: S1032Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: YellowLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1037Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Clean Room Manufactured
Compound: S1043Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 50Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-105 °F
(-75 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Lower temperature resistant Silicone
Compound: S1081Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 65Color: Dark grayLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
350 °F
(180 °C)
Description: EMI RFI Shielding Nickel Coated Graphite filled Silicone, Volume Resistivity 0.10 ohm-cm
Compound: S1083Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Commercial Manufactured
Compound: S1146Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: WhiteLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
480 °F
(250 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Commercial Manufactured
Compound: S1184Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: RedLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1206Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 80Color: Low Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Temperature Range Comparison
Box: Base Material Family Range
Whiskers: Specialty Compounds
General Information
Full Name
Buna-N:
Buna-N (NBR, Nitrile, Buna)
Silicone:
Silicone (VMQ, SIL)
Short Name
Buna-N:
Buna-N
Silicone:
Silicone
Common Names
Buna-N:
Buna-N, Nitrile, NBR, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber
Silicone:
Silicone, VMQ, PVMQ
Mechanical Properties
Specialty Resistances
Greases
Greases
Silicone Oils
Silicone Oils
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable Oils
Alcohols
Odorless
Di-ester Lubricants
Non-toxic
Ethylene Glycol Fluids
Wide Temperature Range
Petroleum Oils
Dry Heat
Water
Brake Fluids
Hydraulic Fluids
Ketones
Diluted Alkalies
Fungal Growth
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Oxygen
Mineral Oils
Animal Oils
Common Fuels
Weathering And Sunlight
Solvents
Compression Set
Acids
Ozone
Specialty Resistances
Buna-N
Alcohols
Di-ester Lubricants
Ethylene Glycol Fluids
Petroleum Oils
Water
Hydraulic Fluids
Diluted Alkalies
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Mineral Oils
Common Fuels
Solvents
Acids
Silicone
Odorless
Non-toxic
Wide Temperature Range
Dry Heat
Brake Fluids
Ketones
Fungal Growth
Oxygen
Animal Oils
Weathering And Sunlight
Compression Set
Ozone
Brands
Nipol®
Thermoflex®
Elastosil®
Silastic®
Brands
Buna-N
Nipol®
Silicone
Thermoflex®
Elastosil®
Silastic®
Limitations
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
UV Light
Diluted Sodium Hydroxide
Aldehydes
High Gas Permeability
Aromatic Fuels
Dynamic Applications
Esters
Alkalis
Polar Solvents
Aromatic Mineral Oils
Ketones
Concentrated Solvents
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1)
Concentrated Acids
Weathering And Sunlight
Hydrocarbon Fuels
Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids
Steam
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Acids
Limitations
Buna-N
UV Light
Aldehydes
Aromatic Fuels
Esters
Polar Solvents
Ketones
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1)
Weathering And Sunlight
Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Silicone
Diluted Sodium Hydroxide
High Gas Permeability
Dynamic Applications
Alkalis
Aromatic Mineral Oils
Concentrated Solvents
Concentrated Acids
Hydrocarbon Fuels
Steam
Acids