How Nitrile Gloves Are Made
Nitrile is a petroleum-based synthetic material. Nitrile gloves contain no latex from natural rubber. Since many people have latex allergies, nitrile is a popular alternative. It performs well in protecting from bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Nitrile gloves are generally available in industrial, medical, or surgical grade. They are also available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, textures, and thicknesses. They are one of the most versatile disposable gloves you can buy.
What Are Nitrile Gloves Made From?
Nitrile gloves are petroleum based and contains nitrile butadiene rubber. This is a synthetic material made from the combination of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile is a volatile liquid while butadiene is a colorless gas that liquifies easily. When both are combined, they cause a chemical reaction known as polymerization that creates liquid nitrile. The liquid nitrile is then filtered and combined with coagulating agents and antioxidants, transforming it into a more stable material.
How Are Nitrile Gloves Made?
Manufacturers first get synthetic rubber which is initially in a dried and crumbled form. This synthetic rubber is turned into liquid and then shaped into gloves. This is done by using molds in the shape of human hands. The molds are coated with a substance that prevents the nitrile from sticking, then immersed into a vat of liquid nitrile. After the liquid nitrile covers the mold, they are baked. They are then cooled and dried, thus taking the shape of the hand mold. Once fully dried and cooled, they are removed from the molds, and then tested before being packaged to be sent to retailers and suppliers.
How Are Nitrile Medical Gloves Tested?
Nitrile gloves are stronger than latex gloves, they are sturdier and harder to puncture so they are perfect for the medical field. Nitrile gloves made to be used in medical settings must be carefully tested. All medical grade nitrile gloves undergo strict testing. One test is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) pinhole test. In this test, the gloves are inflated with air and pricked with holes to test the gloves for leaks. If more than a specific number of gloves in a batch fail the test, they cannot be marked as medical grade.
In addition to the pinhole test, glove manufacturers must demonstrate that the gloves are manufactured in a clean and safe environment that meets medical rating standards. The gloves are also measured for the correct size and thickness, and they need to pass aging tests and other additional trials. These tests ensure that the gloves meet all required medical standards for the safety of healthcare professionals and patients.