Mesa ETP 6036.035 Polyurethane Material versus Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) was developed prior to WW1. It was developed for its resistance to oils and higher temperature applications. The problem with NBR is its lack of abrasion resistance.

Polyurethane was developed in the 1930’s but mainly as a foam. It was actually used in a hardened state as body panels in the 1983 Pontiac Fiero. After its development into blown films it was introduced into the petroleum industry for its superior chemical resistance to hydrocarbons, light weight, high temperature resistance and its excellent abrasion resistance.

Mesa ETP’s 6036 material was developed for use as a scuff jacket for foam log and liquid gravity seals because of its superior chemical and abrasion resistance. It was a tough sell at first because of its thinness. “How could a .035” thick material out-perform a .078” thick material in an abrasive application like a foam log seal?”

In Mesa ETP’s laboratory, we devised an abrasion resistance test in which we mounted 80 grit sandpaper on the wall and applied 10 pounds of pressure on different materials, running them up and down until we scraped off .010” of material.

Above is Chart “C” – the results of these tests. In a nutshell, we discovered that the 6047 NITRILE / VINYL material traveled 30 feet. Our 6036 Polyurethane material traveled 14,900 feet. Our history with the two materials has actually led to us discontinuing our 6047 line of materials.

We also use our 6036 materials in our Environmental Leg Boots, Environmental Gauge Pole Covers & Ladder Covers, Pontoon Liner,s and Vapor Holding Bladders.  Hopefully this comparison will lead you to the conclusion that our 6036 materials are satisfactory for your needs in a foam log seal application as well as other applications requiring superior abrasion resistance.

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