Hydrogen cyanide (also known as hydrocyanic acid, prussic acid, or HCN) is a highly toxic and volatile substance that is used in a variety of industries, including the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, dyes, and other chemical compounds. It is also used in pesticide formulations and in the production of nitriles.
Common types of failures when rubber is exposed to hydrogen cyanide gas include discoloration, cracking, and embrittlement due to the corrosive nature of the gas. Additionally, rubber seals exposed to hydrogen cyanide gas may become brittle and prone to cracking or tearing over time, as the acid slowly breaks down the rubber material. Additionally, exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas may cause the rubber seal to swell or become distorted due to its ammonia-like properties.
Buna-N o-rings also referred to as NBR o-rings and Nitrile o-rings are the most widely used o-ring material in the word because of low cost, good mechanical performance with resistance to water, most basic oils, lubricants and some fuels, many pneumatic, hydraulic systems, and the default choice for basic applications. Buna-N o-rings are not recommended for exposure to sunlight, UV light, ozone and general outdoor weathering or hash chemicals, acids, keytones and many others.
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