Nitrile is one of the most common materials for disposable gloves. But what is nitrile, really? What does it look like and what is it made of? And why do people like disposable nitrile gloves so much more than latex or vinyl gloves? Don't worry, we can tell you everything you need to know about disposable nitrile gloves.
What is Nitrile?
Even if you don't believe it, nitrile is a type of rubber. It is a type of latex because its full name is "nitrile butadiene rubber." Nitrile, on the other hand, doesn't have any traditional latex or latex proteins in it, which is different from traditional latex. Instead, it is a completely synthetic version that is great for people with latex skin allergies who can't wear traditional rubber latex gloves.
The chemistry of making nitrile is complex, requiring the blending of two different synthetic rubber polymers. Latex made from the copolymers butadiene and acrylonitrile is combined, blended, and stabilised into nitrile gloves, which are subsequently used in medical procedures.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made From?
Nitrile is a synthetic co-polymer, formed through acrylonitrile and butadiene combining. The extra step of processing in the glove creation process was originally why when nitrile gloves first hit the market, they were so expensive compared to latex. However, technological advancements have led to more cost-effective practices in the making of nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are now just as affordable as latex gloves. Nitrile material also has a lower allergy rate than latex.
Some of the underlying characteristics of nitrile are mentioned below:
- Chemical Resistant and Puncture-Resistant
It's crucial to keep in mind that nothing is ever completely impenetrable. Nitrile material is more resistant to chemicals than latex material, but some chemicals, especially strong ones, will still get through over time. But nitrile gloves are a good choice for an everyday work glove that will protect your hands from common chemicals.
- Technological Advancements Made Nitrile More Affordable
After they were first made, nitrile gloves were not very common at first. This was because the costs of making it were higher than for regular latex, and these costs were often passed on to the consumer. So, when nitrile gloves first came out on the market, they weren't used as much as latex gloves, even though they were usually better quality. They were often only used by people who had latex allergies. Today, on the other hand, nitrile gloves are used a lot more. The cost of making nitrile has gone down thanks to technological advancement, which makes it a good choice.
- Suitable For Mechanics and Is Food Safe
The latex gloves are not as strong as the nitrile gloves. They are also more chemically resistant, have better puncture resistance, and are available in specialised colours for the trade business. Whereas the medically linked blue and white colours of latex gloves are much more frequent. Because most mechanics require a strong, dexterous, chemical-resistant glove, Black Nitrile Gloves are their go-to choice. Furthermore, this property makes it food safe as well.
- They are BPA and latex free making them suitable for those with allergies
Nitrile Gloves are BPA-free, Latex-free, Phthalate-free, Vinyl Free, MBT free and often powder-free. Nitrile is a pretty stiff material by itself, without anything else added. So, glove makers add a small number of other chemicals to NBR to make nitrile gloves that are soft, or have a low modulus. Over the past ten years, these companies have kept improving the way they make nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves that are used only once have become softer and more flexible. Recent improvements to nitrile gloves include making them without accelerators, which lowers the risk of Type IV contact dermatitis in people who wear them.
We hope that the above-mentioned information about nitrile gloves helped you. Ever since its discovery, it has become a great alternative to gloves made of different materials, the most common one being latex. Will conventional latex ever be replaced by nitrile? Probably not. Will it go on offering the best of both worlds for a very long time? Almost without a doubt. Nitrile will remain in use.
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