What Is a Chemical-Resistant Glove?
A chemical-resistant glove is designed to offer high-level protection and resistance against chemicals, including acids and alkalis. Solvent-resistant gloves, a subset of chemical-resistant gloves, are specifically designed to shield hands from chemicals such as acids and alkalis.
These gloves provide protection against a wide range of chemicals, including ketones, salts, detergents, and alcohols. They come in two main types: disposable and reusable.
Gloves are available in various thicknesses, with thicker gloves offering greater resistance but potentially making fine-detail work more challenging. Material choice affects durability, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance, while thickness varies. Therefore, the appropriate type should be selected based on the intended use and specific tasks.
Applications of Chemical-Resistant Gloves
Chemical-resistant gloves find applications across diverse industries, including chemicals, electronics, aerospace, automotive, life sciences, machinery, equipment, metal fabrication, recycling, waste disposal, and the manufacturing of transistors and semiconductors. Specific use cases include:
- Handling aerospace equipment and components
- Working with painting tools, including spray guns and robots
- Managing unexpected chemical leaks and spills
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment
- Conducting fitting, dismantling, and assembly operations
- Processing and producing petrochemical products
- Performing sampling, experiments, and tests
- Engaging in shipping operations
- Handling chemicals in applications such as glass etching, metal plating, dyeing, and chemical plants
Principles of Chemical-Resistant Gloves
The primary materials used in chemical-resistant gloves include natural rubber, nitrile rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and polyurethane.
Gloves made from these materials undergo permeation resistance tests against various acids and alkalis, such as ammonia, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid. Additionally, they undergo swelling rate tests with organic solvents and oils, including ketones, ethers, chlorinated solvents, alcohols, and fats and oils, to assess their performance.
The results of the permeation test are typically evaluated in three levels, while the swelling rate test is evaluated in four levels to indicate the product’s performance.
Features of Chemical-Resistant Gloves by Material
1. Natural Rubber
Natural rubber gloves are resistant to oil and solvents, making them ideal for precision work.
2. Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber gloves conform closely to the hand, allowing for detailed tasks. They have low tension, reducing hand fatigue even during extended use. Nitrile gloves, especially those with excellent static control, dust resistance, and ion control, are suitable for tasks in the electronics and semiconductor industries, as well as chemical processing.
Nitrile is also used in combination with natural rubber for enhanced chemical resistance, making these gloves highly resistant to chemicals such as fuel oil, lubricants, and acids. Some variants feature a diamond surface treatment to prevent slipping. They are commonly used in petrochemical, machinery assembly, aerospace, and chemical industries, as well as for industrial cleaning, heavy equipment assembly, and handling hazardous chemicals.
3. Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene gloves exhibit excellent resistance to aging, ozone, weather, chemicals, abrasion, and acids/alkalis. However, they may have limited resistance to organic solvents.
4. Polyurethane
Polyurethane gloves are known for their abrasion resistance, flexibility, and ease of use. They are commonly employed in tasks such as assembling machine parts, gardening, DIY projects, fruit collection and sorting, packaging, and delivery. Some variants come with a cotton lining for added comfort.