Glove having butyl rubber layer to provide resistance to ketone family chemicals

Abstract

A laminate of three layers includes a middle butyl rubber layer, whereas the inner layer and outer layer materials could be chosen from natural rubber latex, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex, polychloroprene, polyisoprene, carboxylated styrene butadiene, and other synthetic elastomers. Even with one material used for both inner layer and outer layer, different formulations could be used. The resultant multilayer structure provides good resistance to ketone family chemicals such as acetone and MEK. The glove also exhibits superior or much improved resistance to solvent such as DMSO, chloroform, methanol, et al as compared to currently commercially available thin wall gloves made from natural rubber latex and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene synthetic rubber latex. The time elapsed before the material experiences breakthrough after exposure to a ketone family solvent is directly related to the thickness of the butyl layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Gloves are used for their barrier characteristics to protect the wearer from chemicals and contamination. The structure and composition of the glove must be resistant to contamination to prevent contact with the wearer's skin. The structure and material of the glove can be tailored to provide protection from anticipated contaminants. [0002] Published patent applications disclose the structure of gloves resistant to solvents. One such published patent application is 2003 / 0075828 to Thomas et al disclosing a solid resistant glove formed from multilayers having an elastomeric substrate comprising nitrile rubber. Other published patent applications, 2004 / 0036196 to Conley and 2004 / 0107477 to Janssen, disclose surgical or medical gloves made from nitrile rubber and impermeable to many solvents. None of these published patent applications discloses the use of different materials to enhance resistance to chemical solvents and none uses a butyl layer to pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] A laminate of three layers includes a middle butyl rubber layer, whereas the inner layer and outer layer materials could be chosen from natural rubber latex, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex, polychloroprene, polyisoprene, carboxylated styrene butadiene, and other synthetic elastomers. Even with one material used for both inner layer and outer layer, different formulations could be used. The resultant multilayer structure provides good resistance to ketone family chemicals such as acetone and MEK. The glove also exhibits superior or much improved resistance to solvent such as DMSO, chloroform, methanol, et al as compared to currently commercially available thin wall gloves made from natural rubber latex and carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene synthetic rubber latex. The time elapsed before the material experiences breakthrough after exposure to a ketone family solvent is directly related to the thickness of the butyl layer.

Problems solved by technology

None of these published patent applications discloses the use of different materials to enhance resistance to chemical solvents and none uses a butyl layer to provide resistance to ketone family solvents.

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