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PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR

Matrix

ASTM D1667

PVC-NBR = vinyl-nitrile blend

Pick when oil, fuel and grease contact or better low-temperature flexibility is required.

Standard cost $$

Values for the PVC-NBR condition

Other PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) grades and fills

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell).

Compare all 7 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
Low-density cushioning foam
Cheapest per volume; use for packaging cushioning and light dust seals, not for load bearing.—0.251705 Shore A
Type 1 soft / low compression-deflection
Choose when very low closure force is needed on thin sheet metal or plastic housings.—0.351808 Shore A
Flame-retardant grade
Required for rail, transit, automotive interior and electrical enclosure sealing.—0.513018 Shore A
T2-MEDDefault
Type 2 medium density / medium firmness
General-purpose gasket and cushioning grade balancing sealing force and compressibility.—0.5515015 Shore A
PVC-NBRThis page
Vinyl-nitrile blend
Pick when oil, fuel and grease contact or better low-temperature flexibility is required.—0.716020 Shore A
Type 3 firm / high compression-deflection
For load-bearing pads, anti-vibration mounts and gaskets on rigid bolted flanges.—111030 Shore A
High-density sponge
Use where abrasion, edge durability and high sealing force matter more than softness.—110038 Shore A

What is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR?

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) in the PVC-NBR condition — pick when oil, fuel and grease contact or better low-temperature flexibility is required. PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has a tensile strength of 0.7 MPa (0.102 ksi), weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 160% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (3.63×10⁻⁴ Msi). PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has a density of 0.13 g/cm³ (0.0047 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -30°C (-22 °F). T2-MED is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PVC-NBR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Lightweight — 0.13 g/cm³ (0.0047 lb/in³), better than 86% of polymer grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 85% of polymer grades
  • Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades
  • Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 81% of polymer grades

Limitations

  • Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 2%, worse than 97% of polymer grades
  • Low stiffness — 0 GPa (3.63×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 93% of polymer grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 0.04 W/m·K (0.0243 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of polymer grades

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR properties

Typical room-temperature values for PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.

Physical4

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has a density of 0.13 g/cm³ (0.0047 lb/in³), lighter than 86% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -30°C (-22 °F).

Density0.13 g/cm³0 lb/in³
Glass Transition (Tg)-30°C-22 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)2%
Water Absorption (Saturation)5%

Mechanical10

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has a tensile strength of 0.7 MPa (0.102 ksi), weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 160% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (3.63×10⁻⁴ Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus0 GPa3.63×10⁻⁴ Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.3
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)0.7 MPa0.1 ksi
Elongation at Break160%
Compressive Strength0.07 MPa0.01 ksi
Compressive Modulus8×10⁻⁴ GPa1.16×10⁻⁴ Msi
Shear Strength0.35 MPa0.05 ksi
Hardness, Shore A20 Shore A
Tear Strength2 kN/m11.4 lbf/in
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)15%

Thermal8

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR is rated for continuous service to 80°C (176 °F). It conducts heat at 0.04 W/m·K (0.0243 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 80 µm/m·K (44.4 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.04 W/m·K0.02 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)80 µm/m·K44.4 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)80°C176 °F
Min Service Temperature-45°C-49 °F
Flammability (UL 94)Standard grades typically meet FMVSS 302; FR grades reach UL 94 HF-1 (cellular) or HBF
Limiting Oxygen Index30%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)95°C203 °F

Electrical3

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has an electrical resistivity of 1×10⁹ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)1.3
Volume Resistivity1×10¹² Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 65% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.

Corrosion ResistanceExcellent85/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceFair45/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryImproved resistance to mineral oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids versus straight PVC sponge; still poor in ketones and chlorinated solvents

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR takes about 75 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 91% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)75 MJ/kg32,244 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water130 L/kg15.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability4

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100); formability excellent (88/100).

MachinabilityVery good80/100
WeldabilityGood60/100
Formability (cold)Excellent88/100
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)170°C338 °F

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR

Is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) easy to machine?

Steel-rule die cutting, kiss-cutting, waterjet and hot-wire/band-knife slitting all work; avoid high-speed routing which melts and smears the skin.

Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) be welded?

RF (dielectric) and hot-air welding are effective on PVC sponge; solvent (THF/cyclohexanone) and contact or acrylic PSA bonding are standard for splices.

Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as buns sliced to sheet, extruded strip or molded-in-place profiles; compression-mold or thermoform at 140–180 °C with generous cooling to avoid cell collapse.

What surface finishes work on PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell)?

Skinned or split (open-face) surfaces available; laminate acrylic PSA, fabric or film for wear; printing/painting needs plasticizer-tolerant vinyl inks.

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
poly(vinyl chloride) resinsuspension/paste PVC, K-value 65–7540 – 6050
plasticizer (DOP/DINP/DOTP)level sets softness and low-temperature flexibility20 – 4030
calcium carbonate filler0 – 2010
chemical blowing agent (azodicarbonamidecontrols cell size and density1 – 63
Ca/Zn or Ba/Zn stabilizer + lubricant1 – 53
nitrile rubber (NBR)only in vinyl-nitrile blends0 – 300
flame retardant (Sb2O3 / ATH)FR grades only0 – 100

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR — frequently asked

What is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR used for?

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR is typically used for weatherstripping and gaskets, marine seals, cushioning pads and flotation inserts. In short: low-cost closed-cell gasket foam; water-resistant cushioning; RF-weldable vinyl sponge.

What is the tensile strength of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR?

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR has a typical tensile strength of 0.7 MPa (0.102 ksi) — weaker than 86% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 84% of polymer grades). Steel-rule die cutting, kiss-cutting, waterjet and hot-wire/band-knife slitting all work; avoid high-speed routing which melts and smears the skin.

Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). RF (dielectric) and hot-air welding are effective on PVC sponge; solvent (THF/cyclohexanone) and contact or acrylic PSA bonding are standard for splices.

What surface finishes work on PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR?

Skinned or split (open-face) surfaces available; laminate acrylic PSA, fabric or film for wear; printing/painting needs plasticizer-tolerant vinyl inks.

Can PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR be formed, bent or molded?

Supplied as buns sliced to sheet, extruded strip or molded-in-place profiles; compression-mold or thermoform at 140–180 °C with generous cooling to avoid cell collapse.

What is the maximum service temperature of PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR?

PVC Foam (Flexible, Closed-Cell) PVC-NBR is rated for continuous use to about 80°C (176 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. ASTM D1667 — Flexible Cellular Materials, Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Foam (Closed-Cell) — ASTM International (2022)
  2. ASTM D1056 — Flexible Cellular Materials, Sponge or Expanded Rubber — ASTM International (2020)
  3. Closed-cell PVC and vinyl-nitrile foam product data — Rubberlite / Monmouth Rubber & Plastics (2023)
  4. Handbook of Polymeric Foams and Foam Technology — Hanser (2004)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.