Nowadays, we see a rapid increase in hand injuries, exposure, and skin diseases in the chemical sector. These situations can be easily preventable by using protective gloves. Unfortunately, all gloves are not protective against chemical hazards hence wearing suitable gloves is crucial when working in dangerous chemical settings.
Let’s delve into different types of chemical protective gloves and their innovations that suit the needs of dexterity and personal protection.
What are Chemical Protective Gloves Made of?
Chemical protective gloves are gloves that are designed to protect the wearer from chemical exposure or contamination. These gloves are made of materials that are resistant to specific chemicals or groups of chemicals. These gloves are typically used in industries where workers come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals regularly, such as in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or laboratories.
There are a wide variety of chemical protective gloves available to the marketplace, made from various materials such as nitrile, neoprene, PVC, and latex. The selection of gloves will depend on several factors such as the specific chemicals they will be exposed to, along with the duration and frequency of exposure.
Which Chemical Protective Gloves Garner Attention in a Range of Industries?
Each glove is made with different materials according to the industry’s needs. However, not all gloves are impervious to all chemicals, it is important to choose the right gloves based on the chemicals encountered. Resistance levels and physical properties can be considered when choosing gloves.
While there are dozens of gloves types and styles to protect against chemical hazards, the most popular include:
Latex
Latex gloves are also known as natural rubber gloves. These are the inexpensive and most common types of gloves used according to occupational settings. Latex gloves are mainly used in the food and medical industry because it protects well against bloodborne pathogens.
Nitrile
Nitrile is used in a wider variety of applications than most gloves because these gloves have good, standard chemical resistance ability and are typically inexpensive than other gloves. Nitrile is a multipurpose chemical-resistant glove.
Chemical manufacturers would use nitrile gloves because they resist gasoline, kerosene, and other petroleum solvents considerably. As these gloves are resistant to oils and bad body fats, they are often used in the manufacturing of medical gloves to prevent skin allergies.
Neoprene
These gloves have excellent chemical resistance ability against a broad range of hazardous chemicals, including acids, inks, alcohols, and oils. The brands like Best’s Groce tout and use neoprene as the “acid glove” for superior protection against various organic chemicals, acids, and bases. Memphis Glove’s Garner is another brand that uses neoprene for its flexibility and dexterity.
Doctors wear rubber gloves during patient examinations and surgery to avoid spreading germs. According to the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S., these gloves are made of natural rubber latex or have cornstarch powder. This powder on medical gloves is harmful to patients and hospital workers. Therefore, it is recommended to use neoprene gloves instead of rubber gloves for the healthcare sector.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is also known as plastic or vinyl gloves. These gloves are often used in the petrochemical industry because they’re inexpensive and disposable. In addition, PVC gloves are durable with a good snag and cut resistance.
However, PVC gloves have better chemical resistance than other polymers to diluted oxidizing agents such as nitric, chromic, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids, plus they can also resist aging. Therefore, The Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. has recommended PVC gloves for the healthcare sector.
PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)
PVA gloves are most preferred for dealing with aromatics, chlorinated chemicals, acids, caustics, bases, and alcohol. These PVR or polyvinyl alcohol gloves are water-soluble, which means they dissolve in water or water-based solutions. While they work tremendously against almost any chemical, they draw moisture out of the air and dissolve on a humid day. Thus consider keeping them in a cold place.
PVA gloves are specially made for work involving immersion or direct contact with a chemical. These gloves also can be used when handling toxic or corrosive chemicals. Remember, PVC gloves are not suitable for aqueous solutions.
Butyl
Butyl has very low permeability with gasses. Hence they are majorly used when working with gasses, such as chlorine gas or hydrogen cyanide. It is used for inner tubes in tires because of its tight molecular structure.
Butyl is also widely used by the military for chemical warfare suits because chemical warfare agents can not penetrate it. These gloves are recommended when handling cleaning agents such as methyl ethyl ketone, and acetone. Although Butyl has these beneficial applications, it is one of the most expensive glove materials.
Viton
Viton is the most expensive polymer to produce, but it is also the most effective one. It was developed for use in the aerospace industry due to its extreme resistance to heat and chemicals. It is specifically used in o-rings on the Challenger Space Shuttle. Viton gloves are used when working with aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, and benzene.
How the Innovation and Advancements in the Gloves Industry Shaping the Future of Hand Protection?
The gloves industry has witnessed substantial innovation and developments in recent decades, transforming the landscape of hand protection. From traditional materials to cutting-edge technologies, gloves are developing to meet the diverse needs of several industries, ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to chemicals.
Enhanced Protection with Intelligent materials
Traditional glove materials like leather and latex are being augmented or replaced by intelligent materials such as nitrile that offer superior protection and functionality.
Nitrile gloves are popular in medical and industrial applications due to their excellent chemical resistance and durability. Besides, materials with antimicrobial properties are being incorporated into nitrile to prevent the growth of bacteria and improve hygiene.
Protective Gloves with Touchscreen Compatibility
Gloves with touchscreen compatibility are becoming increasingly essential as our reliance on technology increases. Manufacturers are incorporating conductive materials into glove fingertips, allowing users to control smartphones, tablets, and other touchscreen devices without removing their gloves. This advancement is especially useful in businesses where workers must access digital information while wearing protective gloves.
Ergonomic Design for Dexterity and Comfort
Glove design advancements have focused on enhancing dexterity and comfort without compromising protection. Manufacturers are using ergonomic principles to design gloves that conform to the natural shape of the hand, decreasing tiredness and increasing flexibility.
Furthermore, the use of stretchy fabrics and seamless construction processes improves overall comfort and enables more precise movements.
Gloves Incorporated with Sensor Technology
Gloves with the integration of sensing technologies are revolutionizing the hand protection landscape. These gloves are equipped with sensors that monitor miscellaneous parameters such as vibration, pressure, and temperature.
Sensor gloves are often used in industrial settings to gain real-time feedback on potential hazards. These gloves are also helpful in the healthcare sector. It can track the vital signs in patients and encourage them to self-monitor.
Protective Gloves with Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials
As sustainability has become a critical concern in product development, the gloves sector is witnessing the emergence of eco-friendly materials. To lower environmental effects, manufacturers are looking for alternatives to traditional materials such as natural rubber latex. Sustainable materials such as bamboo fiber, recycled plastics, and bio-based polymers are gaining popularity, providing a more environment-friendly option for hand protection.
What Does the Future Hold for Chemical Protective Gloves?
The future of chemical protective gloves is automation and robotics.
Automation assures consistent quality, reduces production time, and improves efficiency. Robotic systems are used for tasks like material cutting, stitching, and handling, as a result, precise and uniform glove manufacturing.
Current and emerging innovations in chemical protective gloves are maximizing the growth of the global glove manufacturing industry. It will be a growing industry worldwide in the coming years.
