azmater.com Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior resistance to heat, oil, and abrasion, making it ideal for high-performance fuel hoses. Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) provides excellent fuel permeability and flexibility, but HNBR's enhanced durability and chemical stability make it the preferred choice for long-lasting fuel hose applications.
Table of Comparison
| Property | Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) | Epichlorohydrin Rubber (CO) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent resistance to gasoline, diesel, and ethanol blends | Good resistance, especially to alcohol fuels and some chemicals |
| Temperature Range | -40degC to 150degC (-40degF to 302degF) | -40degC to 130degC (-40degF to 266degF) |
| Ozone and Weather Resistance | Superior resistance to ozone, UV, and weathering | Moderate resistance, less durable under ozone exposure |
| Oil and Chemical Resistance | Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, and chemicals | Good resistance to oils and chemicals but lower than HNBR |
| Mechanical Properties | High tensile strength and abrasion resistance | Good mechanical strength but less abrasion resistant |
| Cost | Higher cost due to superior properties | More cost-effective for moderate performance |
| Application Suitability | Ideal for demanding fuel hose applications requiring durability and chemical resistance | Suitable for less demanding fuel hose uses with moderate exposure |
Introduction to Fuel Hose Elastomers
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior resistance to heat, oil, and fuel, making it ideal for fuel hose applications where durability and performance under extreme conditions are critical. Epichlorohydrin rubber (CO) provides excellent ozone and weather resistance with moderate fuel resistance, suitable for fuel hoses exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Selecting between HNBR and Epichlorohydrin depends on the specific fuel composition, temperature range, and mechanical stress requirements of the fuel hose system.
Overview of Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)
Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is a high-performance synthetic elastomer known for its superior resistance to heat, oil, and chemical degradation, making it ideal for fuel hose applications. Compared to Epichlorohydrin rubber, HNBR offers enhanced tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance, and improved durability in extreme temperature ranges from -40degC to 150degC. Its robust polymer structure provides long-term stability in exposure to fuels, ozone, and aging, ensuring reliability and safety in demanding automotive and industrial environments.
Overview of Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) offers superior fuel and oil resistance compared to hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), making it ideal for fuel hose applications requiring enhanced durability and chemical stability. ECO demonstrates excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and flex cracking, providing longer service life in harsh automotive environments. Its lower permeability to fuel vapors ensures improved environmental compliance and safety in fuel delivery systems.
Chemical Resistance: HNBR vs. ECO
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) exhibits superior chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents compared to epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), making it highly suitable for fuel hose applications. HNBR maintains stability and resilience in high-temperature environments and aggressive hydrocarbon exposure, while ECO offers moderate resistance to fuels but excels in resistance to ozone and weathering. For environments involving aggressive fuels and elevated temperatures, HNBR is the preferred material due to its enhanced durability and resistance to chemical degradation.
Temperature Performance Comparison
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) exhibits superior temperature resilience for fuel hoses, withstanding continuous temperatures up to 150degC and intermittent peaks up to 165degC, outperforming epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) which generally tolerates continuous use up to 125degC. HNBR's enhanced thermal stability is due to its saturated polymer backbone, providing excellent resistance to heat aging and thermal degradation, making it ideal for high-temperature fuel delivery applications. In contrast, epichlorohydrin rubber offers moderate temperature resistance but is preferred for its chemical resistance rather than extreme thermal endurance.
Mechanical Properties and Durability
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior tensile strength and abrasion resistance compared to epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), making it ideal for fuel hoses exposed to high stress and mechanical wear. HNBR exhibits excellent heat resistance up to 150degC and outstanding chemical stability against fuels and oils, enhancing durability in harsh automotive environments. Epichlorohydrin provides good low-temperature flexibility and resistance to ozone and weathering but generally shows lower mechanical strength and thermal endurance than HNBR in fuel hose applications.
Fuel Permeation and Compatibility
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior fuel permeation resistance compared to epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), making it ideal for high-performance fuel hose applications where minimizing fuel loss and vapor emissions is critical. HNBR exhibits excellent compatibility with a wide range of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and biofuels, maintaining mechanical integrity and elasticity under prolonged exposure. Epichlorohydrin rubber provides good fuel resistance but tends to have higher permeation rates and reduced compatibility with some aggressive fuel additives and aromatics found in modern fuels.
Cost and Manufacturing Considerations
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior heat and chemical resistance for fuel hose applications but typically involves higher raw material costs and more complex manufacturing processes compared to epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO). Epichlorohydrin rubber provides a cost-effective alternative with good fuel and oil resistance, benefiting from easier processing and faster curing times during production. Manufacturers often balance the higher expense and enhanced durability of HNBR against ECO's more economical production and adequate performance for moderate fuel exposure conditions.
Environmental and Regulatory Aspects
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) exhibits superior resistance to fuel permeation and ozone degradation, making it compliant with stringent environmental regulations such as REACH and EPA standards for fuel hoses. Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) offers excellent resistance to oils and fuels but may face limitations due to potential concerns over chlorinated compounds and stricter VOC emission regulations. Selecting HNBR aligns with evolving global regulatory trends emphasizing durability, reduced emissions, and environmental safety in automotive and industrial fuel hose applications.
Application Suitability: HNBR vs. ECO in Fuel Hoses
Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) offers superior resistance to heat, ozone, and fuel swelling, making it highly suitable for fuel hoses exposed to harsh environments and high temperatures in automotive and industrial applications. Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) provides excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone, and polar solvents, with good fuel resistance primarily for ethanol-blended fuels, but it has lower thermal stability compared to HNBR. For applications demanding high durability in extreme temperature ranges and aggressive fuel types, HNBR is generally preferred, while ECO is selected for moderate temperature conditions with better resistance to polar substances.
Infographic: Hydrogenated nitrile rubber vs Epichlorohydrin rubber for Fuel hose