Rubber article comprising nanoparticles with active material, rubber

Abstract

A method of making a rubber article by using nano-sized particles comprises the steps of: providing latex from a latex source; mixing the latex with a rubber chemical to produce a composite latex; and preparing a rubber article by an article impregnation or molding process using the composite latex. In use, the rubber product is a rubber glove. Ordinary technicians in the art would know that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the invention are disclosed herein in a manner that enables novel and unique aspects to be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber articles of different types, and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of rubber products, and more particularly, to rubber products containing nanoparticles having active substances, rubber gloves, and related methods. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, the healthcare industry, semiconductor industry, food industry, etc. use gloves or products as standard protective measures in different workplaces to prevent users from contacting harmful substances. To be precise, the healthcare industry has been using protective gloves or products to prevent cross-contamination of pathogens. Meanwhile, electricians use protective gloves or products to prevent contamination and short circuits caused by static electricity and other on-site damage. In addition, food handlers need to wear gloves or products to avoid bacterial contamination and hygiene risks. These gloves or products act as a shielding barrier to prevent injuries from multiple hazards and reduce the risk of contamination. Therefore, these protective gloves or products should be able to effectively provide all-round protection.

[0003] Generally, latex gloves made of natural rubber act as an effective protective shield. In addition, antimicrobial technology is applied to gloves or articles to inhibit the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria, mold and mildew. This antimicrobial property is a combination of one or more ingredients, including but not limited to metal oxides and antimicrobial drugs. The molecules present on the gloves kill harmful microorganisms.

[0004] In addition, prospective tests have been conducted to reveal that gloves or articles infused with nanoparticles can effectively target bacteria. The compact molecular structure produces better pore size, thereby providing excellent thermal insulation in the case of excess heat from the outside. The rubber matrix with smaller pore size produces good chemical resistance, thereby preventing chemical penetration. However, conventional articles or gloves lack active nanoparticle materials, and antimicrobial technology is usually coated on the surface of the gloves and dissipates in a short time.

[0005] Therefore, it turns out that the killing properties of the gloves or articles are counterproductive in terms of antimicrobial action, antistatic properties, thermal protection and chemical resistance. In addition, due to the increase in industrial demand, the production of such protective gloves or articles has increased significantly. Most of the time, depending on the type of industry, the user has to actively wear such gloves or articles during the work process. The durability of the gloves is related to the life of the gloves or articles in killing harmful microorganisms. In this context, a typical article or glove generally has a specific duration of use, usually for a short period of time. This affects the integrity and overall purpose of the gloves and articles.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional gloves or articles employ antimicrobial technology, which is mostly coated on surfaces that rapidly degrade or leach out after exposure and / or wear by the user; thus, the level of protection provided to the user is less effective, the risk of contamination is increased, and biohazards to healthcare workers and patients are created. Additionally, conventional articles or gloves have a static resistivity of a certain ohm, which may or may not be effective against static electricity in electronic component assembly lines. Furthermore, disposable products are used in the food industry, which may create cross contamination from food to consumer and vice versa.

[0007] However, the articles or gloves of the present invention apply the tested nanotechnology to their invention. The nanoparticle active material provides a compact molecular structure compared to articles or gloves without the nanoparticle active material. The articles or gloves of the present invention have an effective killing rate against microorganisms and provide excellent thermal insulation performance in the case of excess heat from the outside. The nanoparticles injected into the rubber latex gloves or articles together with other components form an effective component against bacteria and cross contamination.

[0008] Therefore, there is still a need in the art for innovative, novel, effective solutions to provide complete and adequate protection against cross contamination and injury by using latex gloves and nanoparticle active substances distributed therein. Specifically, there is still a need in the art for innovative, novel, cost-effective and efficient solutions to provide rubber articles, rubber gloves and related methods containing nanoparticles with active substances. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide rubber articles, rubber gloves and related methods comprising nanoparticles having active substances.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method for preparing a rubber product by using nano-sized particles comprises the following steps: providing latex from a latex source; mixing the latex with a rubber chemical to produce a composite latex; and, using the composite latex to prepare the rubber product by an article dipping or molding process. In use, the rubber product is a rubber glove. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure and various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in a manner that allows new and unique aspects to be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber products of different types, and the like.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the embodiments of the present invention as expressed by the claims that follow, their more salient features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," one will understand how the features of embodiments of the present invention provide advantages, including rubber articles containing nanoparticles having active substances, rubber gloves, and related methods thereof.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below, which relate to rubber articles, rubber gloves and related methods containing nanoparticles with active substances. In general, gloves protect your hands from various hazards in the workplace or at home. Such work is often performed in a fluid environment, which requires not only protection from materials such as water, aqueous solutions of various alkalinity or acidity, oil, gasoline or similar fluids, but also the ability to grasp and firmly hold or manipulate objects. In order to achieve these goals, the gloves should be comfortable, flexible, breathable, and have a gripping surface that can be stably grasped even when exposed to lubricating materials that will impair people's ability to firmly grasp objects.

[0014] In particular, the size and shape of the hands vary from person to person. Unfortunately, standardized medical gloves do not fit the hands properly, and therefore, medical professionals are hesitant to use them because it may result in failure of medical procedures that must be performed with precision.

[0015] In addition, SARS Covid, Hepatitis B, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and other diseases as well as hazardous chemicals and fertilizers have recently sparked people's curiosity. When exposed to such deadly diseases, medical personnel need to provide medical care, such as surgical operations, and practitioners need protective gear. Therefore, medical personnel and other industries need to use protective gloves. Unfortunately, traditional gloves do not fit the hands, especially the fingers. Therefore, practitioners cannot provide treatment without worries.

[0016] Specifically, the novel nanoparticle-infused articles or gloves disclosed herein have improved characteristics and can remain dispersed in liquids for longer periods of time. In use, when a coating is produced on the nanoparticles, the slurry has an extremely small particle size and has excellent dispersibility in a polymer matrix. These rubber articles or gloves with nanoparticle active substances are made from polymer latex (natural rubber latex or synthetic latex with nanoparticle active substance chemicals) and at least one rubber chemical or rubber chemical combination (such as sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC). The polymer used to produce the rubber article or gloves is natural rubber latex and synthetic latex, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

[0017] There are various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below, which involve infusing active materials having nano-sized particles into a rubber matrix for barrier protection. In addition, rubber articles or gloves containing nano-particle active materials can be worn by medical personnel in the healthcare industry, and can also be used in the electrical industry, the food industry, or any other application.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber product or glove with nanoparticle active substances is made of polymer latex (natural rubber latex or synthetic latex with nanoparticle active substance chemicals) and at least one rubber chemical or rubber chemical combination (such as sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC). In use, the manufacturing process of the product includes latex mixing, product or glove dipping or molding process, post-treatment, and surface re-treatment is performed or not performed to enhance the surface morphology for better manipulation of the instrument.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the article or glove is composed of a nanoparticle-sized chemical. In operation, the nanoparticles of the present invention with active substances create a compact structure on the article or glove compared to existing articles, which chemically strengthens the rubber membrane.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a rubber product or glove having nano-sized particles that result in effective antimicrobial performance helps prevent cross-contamination of body fluids, which risks exposure to pathogens. In use, it has an effective killing rate against microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but not limited to the new coronavirus.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nanoparticle active material exhibits better persistence in terms of kill rate, wherein the results of the inoculum count remain <10 cfu / ml after 0, 5 and 30 minutes of contact with the tested organisms.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or glove has nano-sized particles resulting in effective anti-static properties. In operation, the electrostatic resistivity fights static electricity in an electronic component assembly line.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber product or glove has nano-sized particles that lead to effective heat protection. In use, the compact molecular structure produces better pore size, thereby providing good thermal insulation performance in the case of excess heat from the outside.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber product or gloves have nanometer-sized particles that cause effective chemical resistance. In operation, medical personnel wear chemical resistance rubber products or gloves during the preparation of chemical drugs and / or treatment of patients with chemotherapy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber product or gloves produced with nanoparticle active substances produce strong elastic products. In use, they also have tighter fit and greater retractility, making them more comfortable when worn over a long period of time, and realizing enhanced dexterity.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or gloves are produced from a rubber polymer such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber such as nitrile rubber (NBR). In use, the rubber article or gloves produced from a rubber polymer such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber (but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) are conducive to various methods for producing the article or gloves.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing a rubber product by using nano-sized particles comprises the following steps: providing latex from a latex source; mixing the latex with a rubber chemical to produce a composite latex; and, using the composite latex to prepare the rubber product by a product dipping or molding process. In use, the rubber product is a rubber glove. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure and various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in a manner that enables new and unique aspects to be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber products of different types, and the like.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latex source is natural rubber latex. In use, the latex source may also be synthetic latex.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemical comprises a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active substance. In use, the method further comprises a step of post-treating the rubber article, with or without surface re-treatment to enhance the surface morphology for better manipulation of the device. In addition, the method further comprises a step of applying the plurality of nano-sized particles of the active substance to the rubber article to produce a compact structure of the rubber matrix.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of infusing the nanoparticle active substance into the rubber matrix, the rubber matrix comprising one ingredient or at least one ingredient or combination of ingredients on a colloid, micellar basis, such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives to provide antimicrobial properties, etc. In use, the rubber chemical is selected from the group comprising at least one chemical or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing agent chemicals, crosslinking agents, antioxidants, colorants, etc.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the step of producing rubber products with the nanoparticle active substance causing effective antistatic property. In use, the method also includes the step of producing rubber products with the nanoparticle active substance causing effective heat protection. In addition, the method also includes the step of producing rubber products with the nanoparticle active substance causing effective chemical tolerance. In addition, the method also includes the step of producing rubber products with the nanoparticle active substance by using a polymer, the polymer includes natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride etc.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber product prepared using nano-sized particles comprises latex from a latex source; and a composite latex produced by mixing latex with rubber chemicals. In use, the rubber product is prepared by using the composite latex through a product dipping or molding process. The rubber product is basically a rubber glove. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure and various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in a manner that enables novel and unique aspects to be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber products of different types, and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latex source is natural rubber latex. In use, the latex source may also be a synthetic latex.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemical comprises a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active substance. In addition, the rubber product is prepared by a step of post-treating the rubber product, and wherein a surface re-treatment is performed or not performed to enhance the surface morphology for better handling of the device. In addition, as disclosed above, the rubber product is prepared by a step of using a plurality of nano-sized particles with an active substance on the rubber product to produce a compact structure of a rubber matrix. In addition, the rubber product is also prepared by a step of injecting the nanoparticle active substance into a rubber matrix, wherein the rubber matrix comprises one component or at least one component or a combination of multiple components on a colloid, micelle basis, such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives, to provide antimicrobial properties, etc.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemical is selected from the group comprising at least one chemical or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing agent chemicals, cross-linking agents, antioxidants, colorants, etc. Furthermore, the rubber article is produced in such a way that the nanoparticle active material provides effective antistatic properties.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article is produced in such a way that the nanoparticle active material provides effective protection against heat.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article is manufactured in such a way that the nanoparticle active material provides effective chemical resistance.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, rubber products are produced by using polymer nanoparticle active substances, wherein the polymer includes natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in various types of rubber products, such as but not limited to rubber gloves and the like.

[0038] Figure 1 A conceptual level flow chart for preparing rubber products by using nano-sized particles is shown.

[0039] Figure 2 A conceptual level illustration showing a rubber article or glove infused with nanoparticle active agents.

[0040] Figure 3 A rubber article or glove composed of a nanoparticle active substance according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A comparative illustration of a rubber article or glove with and without a nanoparticle active material infused into a matrix is ​​shown. Specifically, Figure 4A The rubber matrix shows that Figure 4B Compared with the rubber matrix, the rubber matrix is ​​formed more compactly.

[0042] As disclosed herein, various embodiments of the present invention that incorporate nanoparticle active materials into the articles or gloves of the present invention improve the film strength properties of the articles or gloves.

[0043] Figure 5A graphical illustration is shown, which shows a comparison of glove tensile properties between an article without nanoparticle active material (negative control) and an article with nanoparticle active material (combined by method 1 and method 2). As shown therein, Figure 1 illustrates that a rubber article or glove with nanoparticle active material injected into the rubber matrix (by method 1 and method 2) produces a better tensile strength of about 20% or more, compared to a rubber article or glove without nanoparticle active material injected into the rubber matrix (negative control). In use, the tensile strength of the articles or gloves of method 1 and method 2 were 21.6 MPa and 12.9 MPa, respectively, while the negative control was 10.1 MPa. The film showed an improvement in elongation, wherein the articles or gloves of method 1 and method 2 obtained 641% and 598.1% elongation, respectively, compared to the 520% ​​elongation of the negative control. Therefore, it can be said that the articles or gloves of the present invention containing nanoparticles with active materials provide a compact molecular structure compared to articles or gloves without nanoparticle active materials.

[0044] Fig. 6A An image showing a rubber article or glove without nanoparticle active material (negative control); and Figure 6B An image of a rubber article or a glove with a nanoparticle active substance obtained by method 1 or method 2 is shown.

[0045] In use, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A comparison of the morphology of rubber articles or gloves without nanoparticle active substances (negative control) and with nanoparticle active substances (by method 1 and method 2) is shown. In addition, Fig. 6A The surface of the rubber article or glove in the process shows an uneven rubber surface morphology with gaps between the bonds and Figure 6B The surface of the rubber article or glove shows that the nanoparticle active material is embedded in the rubber matrix to form a compact or strong bond.

[0046] Figure 7 The particle size of nanoparticles with active substances embedded in a rubber matrix is ​​shown. As shown therein, Figure 7 A rubber article or a glove produced by method 1 or method 2 is shown, which contains nanoparticles with active substances, wherein the particle size ranges between 60-80 nm.

[0047] In addition, the rubber article or gloves of the present invention contain nanoparticle active substances injected into the rubber matrix, and the rubber matrix contains one component or at least one component or combination of components on the basis of colloids and micelles, such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives, to provide antimicrobial properties. The products disclosed herein have an effective killing rate for microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but not limited to the new coronavirus. The nanoparticle active substances show better persistence in terms of killing rate, wherein the results of the inoculum counts remain <10 cfu / mL after 0 minutes, 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes of contact with the tested organism. Therefore, the test report is shown in the following table, wherein the rubber article or gloves containing nanoparticles injected into the rubber matrix can maintain antimicrobial properties after washing one or two times under tap water.

[0048] Analysis results:

[0049]

[0050] Method: Internal USP 51

[0051] Analysis results:

[0052]

[0053] Method: Internal USP 51

[0054] As mentioned above, the compact molecular structure results in better and compact pore size, which provides good electrostatic resistivity, thermal insulation properties (where heat from the outside is unnecessary) and prevents chemical penetration.

[0055] Unless otherwise specifically stated, or otherwise understood in the context of use, conditional language used herein, such as, in particular, "may," "might," "could," "can," "for example," and the like, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include logic for deciding whether to include or perform these features, elements, and / or steps in any particular embodiment with or without author input or prompting. The terms "comprise," "include," "have," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open manner, and do not exclude additional elements, features, behaviors, operations, and the like. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense), such that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0056] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be recognized that the present invention may be embodied in a manner other than that specifically shown and described herein, and within the described embodiments, certain changes may be made to the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the basic concept or principle of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted as covering all equivalents that fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a rubber product by using nano-sized particles, the method comprising the following steps: providing latex from a latex source; mixing the latex with a rubber chemical to produce a composite latex; as well as, The rubber product is prepared using the composite latex through a product dipping or molding process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rubber article is a rubber glove.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex source is natural rubber latex.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the latex source is synthetic latex. 5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the rubber chemical 20 comprises a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active substance.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of post-treating the rubber article, and wherein surface re-treatment is performed or not performed to enhance the surface morphology for better manipulation of the instrument.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying the plurality of nano-sized particles having the active material to the rubber article to create a compact structure of a rubber matrix.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of infusing nanoparticle active substances into a rubber matrix comprising one ingredient or at least one ingredient or a combination of ingredients on a colloid, micellar basis such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives to provide antimicrobial properties, etc.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the rubber chemical is selected from the group comprising at least one chemical or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing agent chemicals, cross-linking agents, antioxidants, colorants, etc.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of producing the rubber article with a nanoparticle active substance that results in effective antistatic properties.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of producing the rubber article with a nanoparticle active substance that results in effective protection against heat.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of producing the rubber article with nanoparticle active substances that result in effective chemical resistance.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of producing the rubber article by using a polymer nanoparticle active substance, wherein the polymer comprises natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene 10 rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

14. A rubber product prepared using nano-sized particles, the rubber product comprising: latex from a latex source; and A composite latex produced by mixing the latex with rubber chemicals; characterized in that The rubber product is prepared by using the composite latex through a product dipping or molding process.

15. The rubber article according to claim 14, wherein the rubber article is a 20 rubber glove.

16. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the latex source is natural rubber latex.

17. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the latex source is synthetic latex.

18. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber chemical comprises a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active substance.

19. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article is prepared by a step of post-treating the rubber article, with or without surface re-treatment to enhance the surface morphology for better manipulation of the device.

20. The rubber article according to claim 18, wherein the rubber article is prepared by the step of applying the plurality of nano-sized particles having the active substance on the rubber article to produce a compact structure of a rubber matrix.

21. The rubber article according to claim 20, wherein the rubber article is further prepared by the step of infusing nanoparticle active substances into a rubber matrix, the rubber matrix comprising one ingredient or at least one ingredient or a combination of ingredients on a colloid, micellar basis, such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives to provide antimicrobial properties, etc.

22. The rubber article according to claim 14, wherein the rubber chemical is selected from the group comprising at least one chemical or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curative chemicals, cross-linking agents, antioxidants, colorants, etc.

23. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article is produced in such a manner that the nanoparticle active material provides effective antistatic properties.

24. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article is produced in such a manner that the nanoparticle active material provides effective protection against heat.

25. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article 10 is manufactured in such a manner that the nanoparticle active material provides effective chemical resistance.

26. The rubber product according to claim 14, wherein the rubber product is produced by using a polymer nanoparticle active substance, the polymer comprising natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

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