Gloves provide a barrier against contaminants and other pathogens. They are essential to prevent the transmission of diseases, protect the user’s hands and maintain sanitary conditions.
Among some of the gloves used today in medicine, chemical processing, manufacturing, and everyday life is nitrile gloves. They are made with a synthetic rubber copolymer and have unique advantages compared to other gloves.
In this short blog, we will take a deeper look at these gloves, learn of the manufacturing recess, compare them with other materials, and learn their benefits.
How are nitrile gloves made?
The gloves get their name from one of the reactants in the manufacturing process, acrylonitrile. On a chemical basis, nitrile is a product of the reaction of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Nitrile has a wide range of applications beyond hand gears- this synthetic compound is used in gaskets, seals, transmission belts, synthetic leather, oil seals, and many more.
Do nitrile gloves contain latex?
Contrary to popular opinion, nitrile gloves do not contain latex. The misconception may have risen due to the manufacturing process for nitrile gloves. The process involves extracting rubber from trees and processing it into latex. The latex derived is further processed into nitrile in a reaction that uses up all the latex proteins.
Nitrile VS latex.
Latex has its advantages, especially in the medical field. However, it does have some problems. The main issue with latex gloves is that they can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. The reaction can range from skin irritation to respiratory discomfort- This means for such individuals, medical practitioners shouldn’t use latex gloves when examining or treating them. The same rule applies when dealing with food items.
Unique advantages of nitrile gloves.
One of the main advantages of nitrile gloves is that they are hypoallergenic. You don’t need powder to use them like other gloves- This feature makes them one of the best options during an emergency.
Nitrile gloves are also more chemical resistant than latex or vinyl gloves. Since they are non-powdered gloves, they don’t chemically react with alcohol-based rubs such as hand sanitizer, which are widely used nowadays- they are also more chemically resistant to other chemicals. You can get nitrile gloves in Los Angeles by shopping from reputable vendors.
Another advantage of nitrile gloves in medical institutions is their superior mechanical properties. Nitrile gloves have high puncture resistance and are less susceptible to wear and tear.