When designing seals, gaskets, or hoses that come in contact with fuels, lubricants, or hydraulic fluids, oil resistance becomes one of the most important material properties. Not all rubber compounds are created equal — exposure to oils and hydrocarbons can cause swelling, softening, or complete material failure if the wrong compound is used.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best oil-resistant rubber materials, their advantages, and how to choose the right one for your application.

Why Oil Resistance Matters

Oil exposure attacks rubber from the inside out. Petroleum-based fluids can dissolve or displace plasticizers in the compound, leading to:

  • Swelling and loss of shape
  • Reduced tensile strength
  • Surface cracking or tackiness
  • Permanent deformation or leaks

In dynamic seals, these effects cause premature wear and loss of sealing pressure — which can mean downtime, contamination, or system failure. Choosing the right rubber compound helps prevent these costly problems.

Nitrile Rubber (Buna-N)

Nitrile rubber (NBR) is the most widely used oil-resistant material. It performs exceptionally well in contact with petroleum oils, fuels, greases, and many hydraulic fluids.

Advantages:

  • Excellent resistance to oil and fuel
  • Good abrasion and tear resistance
  • Available in a wide hardness range
  • Cost-effective for large production runs

Limitations:

  • Poor resistance to ozone and UV
  • Not ideal for extreme temperatures (typically -30°F to +250°F)

Best For:
Automotive seals, fuel hoses, oil-resistant grommets, and industrial gaskets.

Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)

HNBR is a modified version of Nitrile that improves heat, ozone, and aging resistance while maintaining strong oil resistance.

Advantages:

  • Higher temperature stability (up to 300°F)
  • Excellent resistance to oils and fuels
  • Improved mechanical strength and longevity

Limitations:

  • Higher cost than standard Nitrile
  • Slightly reduced flexibility at low temperatures

Best For:

High-performance automotive seals, oilfield components, and industrial machinery exposed to heat and oil.

Fluoroelastomers (Viton® / FKM)

Viton and other fluoroelastomers (FKM) offer the ultimate resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals. They are ideal for extreme environments where both heat and chemical exposure are concerns.

Advantages:

  • Excellent resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents
  • Handles continuous temperatures up to 400°F
  • Exceptional chemical resistance

Limitations:

  • Higher material cost
  • Limited low-temperature flexibility

Best For:

Aerospace seals, high-performance automotive systems, and industrial sealing in harsh chemical environments.

Other Oil-Resistant Options

  • Neoprene: Good for general-purpose oil and fuel resistance, though not as strong as Nitrile or Viton.
  • Polyacrylate (ACM): Used in automotive transmission and engine seals for high-temperature oil resistance.
  • EPDM: Poor oil resistance — best avoided in petroleum-based environments.

Selecting the Right Compound

When choosing an oil-resistant rubber, consider:

  • Temperature range of operation
  • Type of oil or fuel (synthetic, mineral, bio-based, etc.)
  • Pressure and mechanical stress on the part
  • Exposure to ozone, UV, or outdoor conditions

Testing in real-world conditions is always recommended before full production.

Trusted Rubber Solutions from Primo Rubber Co.

At Primo Rubber Co., we specialize in custom rubber parts and seals that stand up to the toughest environments. Whether your application demands cost-effective Nitrile or high-performance Viton, our team helps you select and mold the right compound for long-lasting, oil-resistant performance. Partner with us to produce quality rubber components that you can rely on. Contact Primo Rubber Co. today to learn more about our custom rubber molding capabilities and material options.