Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK: Oil Resistant Sheet, Gaskets & Engineering Applications

Nitrile rubber sheet is the go-to engineering material wherever oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluids are present. If you've specified SBR or neoprene in a petroleum environment and had premature failure, the compound was wrong. This guide covers everything you need to know about nitrile rubber sheet in the UK — properties, applications, grade selection, thickness, and pricing.

What is Nitrile Rubber Sheet?

Nitrile rubber (NBR — Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The acrylonitrile content of the compound (typically 18–50%) determines its balance of oil resistance versus low-temperature flexibility: higher ACN = better oil resistance but poorer cold performance. Standard industrial nitrile sheet used in the UK typically has 33–40% ACN content — balancing good oil resistance with adequate flexibility down to −30°C.

Nitrile is the only standard rubber compound with genuine resistance to mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, petrol, diesel, and most petroleum-derived solvents and greases. SBR, EPDM, and natural rubber all swell, soften, and eventually disintegrate in these environments. Browse our nitrile rubber sheet range — available from 1.5mm to 10mm, 1.2m wide, cut to any length.

Nitrile Rubber Sheet Properties

What is Nitrile Rubber Sheet Used For?

Hydraulic System Gaskets and Seals

The primary application for nitrile sheet in UK engineering is hydraulic system sealing. Hydraulic fluids (mineral oil-based, HLP, HEES) attack all non-oil-resistant rubbers rapidly. Nitrile sheet cut to shape provides reliable flange gaskets and access panel seals on hydraulic power units, cylinders, and control valves. Specify 3mm for low-pressure hydraulic joints; 6mm for higher-pressure flanges or where bolt loading causes extrusion.

Engineering Workshop and Garage Floor Underlays

Standard rubber matting (SBR) fails in oil-contaminated workshop environments — swelling, softening, and creating a hazardous slip surface. Nitrile rubber sheet laid as a floor underlay or placed as anti-fatigue rubber matting in vehicle service bays and engineering workshops maintains its integrity in contact with dripped oils, coolants, and hydraulic fluids. 6mm nitrile sheet is the standard specification for this application.

Fuel System Gaskets

Petrol, diesel, and kerosene all attack standard rubber compounds. Nitrile is the mandatory specification for fuel tank access gaskets, carburettor-to-manifold gaskets (vintage and classic vehicle restoration), fuel pump gaskets, and diesel generator fuel system seals. Cut to shape using a hole saw or die punch set.

Food-Grade Nitrile Applications

Food-grade nitrile rubber sheet (FDA/EC 1935/2004 compliant) is used in food processing equipment gaskets, conveyor belt seals, and food contact surface protection. Food-grade nitrile is compounded without plasticisers or vulcanisation agents that would migrate into food. Standard industrial nitrile is NOT food-safe — always specify food-grade compound for food contact applications. Contact us for food-grade nitrile sheet.

Printing Industry Rollers and Blankets

Nitrile's resistance to printing inks, solvents, and varnishes (which contain petroleum-derived carriers) makes it the standard compound for printing roller recovery strips, blanket underlays, and impression cylinder protection sheeting. 3–6mm nitrile sheet is used to build up roller diameters and protect cylinder surfaces.

Nitrile vs Other Rubber Compounds for Oil Resistance

Nitrile Rubber Sheet Thickness Guide

• 1.5–3mm: Thin gaskets, fuel cap seals, light duty sealing applications
• 3–6mm: Hydraulic flange gaskets, engineering seals, workshop floor strips — the most common range
• 6–10mm: Anti-fatigue workshop matting, heavy flange gaskets, vibration pads in oil environments
• 10mm+: Machine base pads in oil-contaminated areas, specialist engineering

How to Specify Nitrile Rubber Sheet

When ordering nitrile rubber sheet, specify: ACN content (33–40% for standard use), hardness (Shore A 60–70 for gaskets; 40–50 for softer seals), thickness, and whether food-grade compliance is required. Our standard nitrile sheet is 33–40% ACN, Shore A 65 — covering the majority of UK engineering and industrial applications.

Nitrile Rubber Sheet Prices UK 2025

• Nitrile 1.5mm (1.2m wide) — from £15–£25/m²
• Nitrile 3mm (1.2m wide) — from £22–£38/m²
• Nitrile 6mm (1.2m wide) — from £32–£55/m²
• Nitrile 10mm (1.2m wide) — from £50–£80/m²

Free UK delivery on all orders. Same-day dispatch before 2pm. Order nitrile rubber sheet online — cut to any length from stock. Trade accounts available for engineering firms and contractors.