EN 2841:2013

Overview

EN 2841:2013 is a European standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies the properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) designed for aerospace applications. This particular type of NBR is mineral oil resistant and has a hardness of 60 IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degrees). The standard ensures that materials manufactured according to this specification meet stringent requirements for performance in demanding aerospace environments, especially where resistance to petroleum-based hydraulic fluids and lubricants is critical.

Key Topics

• Material Specification: Defines the physical and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber with mineral oil resistance and a hardness of 60 IRHD.
• Temperature Range: Suitable for continuous service from -40 °C to 120 °C and intermittent service up to 150 °C.
• Test Requirements: Includes hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, density, compression set, ozone resistance, low-temperature resistance, and corrosion and adhesion tests on metals.
• Performance Criteria: The rubber material must retain specified qualities after exposure to standard test conditions, including prolonged contact with specific oils at elevated temperatures.
• Batch Testing: Specifies which tests are mandatory for batch acceptance and qualification to ensure consistent quality.
• Designation System: Provides guidelines for correct material identification referencing EN 2841.

Applications

EN 2841:2013 standard is primarily targeted at the aerospace industry, where components made of NBR must withstand exposure to mineral oils such as petroleum-based hydraulic fluids and lubricants. Typical applications include:

• Seals and gaskets in aerospace hydraulic systems
• Components exposed to lubricating oils inside aircraft engines and machinery
• Protective rubber parts subjected to variable temperatures and harsh chemical environments in aircraft
• O-ring manufacturing and other elastomeric parts with mineral oil exposure needs

The material's resistance to oils and ability to operate reliably over a wide temperature range makes it ideal for aerospace hydraulic and fuel system components, ensuring safety and durability in critical applications.

Related Standards

EN 2841:2013 references and aligns with several important standards relevant to aerospace rubber materials and testing methodologies:

• EN 3207 – Aerospace series: Rubber compounds technical specification, which complements EN 2841 by specifying test methods and compound criteria.
• ISO 1629 – Rubber and latices nomenclature, providing standardized terminology for rubber types including NBR.
• ISO 1817 – Methods for determining the effect of liquids on vulcanized rubber, critical for validating mineral oil resistance of NBR compounds.
• National standards harmonized with EN 2841 across multiple European countries provide uniform guidelines for aerospace material preparation and acceptance.

Practical Value

Compliance with EN 2841:2013 ensures that aerospace components made from NBR deliver the required mechanical strength, durability, and chemical resistance under operational conditions typical of aircraft environments. This enhances reliability, minimizes risk of material failure due to oil exposure, and supports quality assurance across production batches. Aerospace manufacturers and suppliers benefit from standardized material specifications-facilitating global trade and regulatory compliance while ensuring safety-critical performance.

Keywords:

Aerospace rubber standard, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, NBR mineral oil resistant, hardness 60 IRHD, aerospace seals, hydraulic fluid resistant rubber, EN 2841:2013, aerospace elastomers, rubber testing aerospace, European aerospace standards.