Jul. 20, 2023
A Complete Guide to Nitrile Gloves
What are nitrile gloves and why should we use them? Nitrile Gloves are alternatives to latex gloves and vinyl gloves. Nitrile disposable gloves offer many benefits over latex or vinyl, with less skin irritation and a lower risk of allergic reactions.
What are nitrile gloves and why should we use them? Nitrile Gloves are alternatives to latex gloves and vinyl gloves. Nitrile disposable gloves offer many benefits over latex or vinyl, with less skin irritation and a lower risk of allergic reactions.
While nitrile gloves cannot be used with all substances (due to the potential for degradation), they can successfully handle many tasks, from using toxic chemicals in laboratories to preparing dishes in a restaurant kitchen.
This nitrile gloves guide will help you decide if it's time to say goodbye to latex and vinyl gloves.
What are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile disposable gloves are a synthetic type of glove. The nitrile rubber is resistant to common chemicals found in the lab including acids, bases, and solvents. Nitrile is also more puncture-resistant than latex and offers good tactile sensitivity.
Disposable nitrile gloves are significantly more durable and chemically resistant. They became the leading alternative to latex in the 1990's.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made Of?
Nitrile disposable gloves are made from synthetic rubber. The "nitrile" in the name refers to the chemical compound "butyronitrile" that is used in the production of these types of gloves.
What is Nitrile Used For?
Nitrile (nitriloin) is a synthetic compound derived from nitrate, and is the third most important industrial polymer (behind polyethylene and styrene). NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is used in a wide range of materials, from aerospace, shoes, molded products, glues, sealants, sponges, foam, and, of course, gloves.
How Are Nitrile Gloves Made?
The production process involves mixing materials together, injecting them into a mold, and allowing them to cure. The nitrile glove materials are then extruded through a spinneret which forms long strands that are later cut and formed into gloves.
What are Nitrile Gloves Used For?
Nitrile gloves are commonly used in chemistry labs and other industrial environments. They are good for the handling of corrosive acids, bases, and many organic solvents. They are also popular for use in general food preparation because they resist odors and stains.
Why Use Nitrile Gloves?
Chemistry labs, food factories, and other industrial environments use nitrile gloves because they offer greater chemical resistance than natural latex rubber.
When to Use Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are used in chemistry labs and other industrial situations where chemical hazards are present. They are also good for use in food processing protecting your hands from odors and stains. Chemistry labs, with their dry chemicals and corrosive acids, use nitrile gloves.
Who Uses Nitrile Gloves?
Healthcare providers, medical practitioners, doctors, surgeons, dentists, hairdressers, automobile mechanics, cafeteria workers, tattoo artists, lab techs, chemists, and scientists prefer using nitrile gloves.
What Do Nitrile Gloves Protect Against?
The standard nitrile glove is an industrial protective glove for protection against chemicals, cuts, and abrasions. It does not protect against electric shock or heat. It is also an effective medical glove for protection against infections and bloodborne pathogens.
What Are the Benefits of Nitrile Gloves?
One major benefit is they offer greater puncture resistance and chemical resistance than latex gloves. They are available in both black and blue colors to help you identify punctures easier. Manufacturing has improved greatly offering a better level of touch sensitivity. This type of PPE is disposable and affordable for the amount of high level of protection offered.
Here are some benefits of nitrile gloves:
Stronger than latex with more puncture resistance
Latex-free,
protein-free, and allergy-free
High level of sensitivity
Offers a great fit molding to the hand
Mimics the fit and feel of latex gloves
Great for use in high-risk situations where excellent barrier protection is needed around infectious materials and hazardous chemicals
Strong chemical protection and resistance
Highly resistant to oils, fats, and petroleum-based products
Becoming more comfortable with improved dexterity
Long lasting durability and flexible
Lightweight and breathable material, easy to use
Available in powdered and powder-free
Can be worn for longer periods of time
Affordable option for higher level of protection
Long shelf life
Are nitrile gloves chemical resistant?
Yes, nitrile offers the broadest chemical resistance, which makes it very versatile across many industries. Because it is a synthetic polymer, nitrile eliminates the risk of latex allergy concerns among users. Nitrile is made from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and it is the most widely used synthetic rubber polymer in today’s glove manufacturing process. The composition of modern nitrile is thin yet exceptionally strong and delivers necessary tactility with a high resistance to punctures and tears. It can be found in disposable or reusable gloves or even as a dipped coating on chemical and mechanical gloves.
Nitrile gloves are made of a copolymer and protect from chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. Although intended for jobs requiring dexterity and sensitivity, nitrile gloves also offer superior chemical and abrasion resistance while standing up to heavy use even after prolonged exposure to substances that cause other gloves to deteriorate. They offer protection when working with oils, greases, acids, caustics and alcohols but are generally not recommended for use with strong oxidizing agents, aromatic solvents, ketones and acetates.
