Static dissipation protective glove

Abstract

A static dissipating disposable glove having a vertical resistivity of less than about 108 ohms as determined according to EN 1149-2 and a surface resistivity of less than or equal to about 106 ohms as determined according to EN 1149-1 includes a polymer layer comprising conductive filler particles. A method of producing the disposable glove is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to protective articles and, more particularly, to protective articles such as disposable gloves and / or other wearable articles including a protective polymer layer that dissipates static charge by adding conductive fillers to at least one of the polymer layers forming the article. Background Art

[0002] Protective articles such as gloves, sleeves, etc. worn in industrial and / or domestic environments have polymer barriers. However, such articles typically do not allow end users to interact with touch screens and other capacitive sensing electronics and often lack charge dissipation when used in certain environments.

[0003] If two materials come into contact with each other and rub against each other, an exchange of electrostatic charges (static electricity) occurs. When these charges are not dissipated, static charges build up and static discharge can occur spontaneously. In certain environments, static discharge can have catastrophic effects. While gloves and other protective equipment are required in most industrial environments, polymer gloves and other protective equipment do not typically have static dissipative properties that would make them suitable for use in certain environments.

[0004] In electrostatically protected areas such as EPA or ESD areas, and in certain industries such as when handling electronic devices, components or sub-assemblies that may be damaged or weakened by electrostatic discharge, a means of dissipating electrostatic charge to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) is required. Examples of such industries that require ESD protection include electronics, automotive, consumer products, etc.

[0005] Another industry that requires ESD protection is areas with explosive atmospheres (ATEX areas), where fumes, dust or other materials can create an explosion risk when electrostatic discharge occurs. Examples include the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture (e.g. grain silos).

[0006] Various standards exist that specify the requirements for gloves and other protective equipment suitable for use in explosive atmospheres or ATEX areas. According to EN 16350, ATEX gloves must have a vertical resistance of less than 10 when measured at 25% relative humidity. 8 Ohm (Ω).

[0007] Additionally, due to their poor static dissipative properties, polymer gloves typically inhibit end-user interaction with various computer inputs (e.g., touch screens, switches, sensors, etc.), making them unsuitable for use in inspections or other procedures that require interaction with various computers or other capacitive sensing electronic devices.

[0008] There is a need for disposable gloves and other protective equipment having improved static dissipative properties.

[0009] In view of the above, the inventors have invented polymer gloves, including disposable polymer gloves, having a vertical resistivity of less than or equal to about 10 when measured according to EN1149-5:2018. 8 Ohms, making it suitable for ATEX environments and allowing end users to interact with touchscreens and other capacitively triggered electronics while wearing gloves. Summary of the invention

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. In embodiments, electrostatic dissipative protective gloves, including disposable gloves, and methods of making the same are disclosed, substantially as shown in and / or described in conjunction with at least one of the figures, as more fully set forth in the claims. Various advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood through the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to understand the above-mentioned features of the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, the embodiments summarized above may be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as the invention disclosed herein may allow for other equally effective embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 A disposable glove having conductive filler particles according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 The embodiment disclosed in this article shows Figure 1 A close-up view of a disposable glove; and

[0014] Figure 3 Methods for forming a disposable glove comprising a polymer layer comprising a conductive filler according to embodiments disclosed herein are described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] First, it should be noted that when developing any such actual embodiment, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it will be a routine task for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure. In addition, the compositions used / disclosed herein may also include some components other than those cited. In the overview and in this detailed description, each numerical value, once it is to be interpreted as being modified by the term "about" (unless it has been clearly modified in this way), is not to be interpreted as such modified again unless the context otherwise indicates. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, each limitation to an embodiment, once it is to be interpreted as including the embodiment, is then interpreted again as being substantially composed of the embodiment, and is then interpreted again as being composed of the embodiment. For brevity, the term "comprising" is always used unless otherwise stated.

[0016] The following definitions are provided to assist those skilled in the art in understanding the detailed description.

[0017] In the specification and claims, "near" includes "at".

[0018] In this document, “having”, “may have” and “including” indicate the existence of corresponding features (for example, numerical values, functions, operations or components), but do not exclude the existence of other features.

[0019] In the present disclosure, an expression such as "A or B" indicates an alternative, for example, it refers to a case (1) including A or a case (2) including B, but does not mean a case including both A and B.

[0020] In the present disclosure, expressions such as "A and / or B", "at least one of A and / or B", "one or more of A and / or B", etc. refer to situations that may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the terms "A and / or B" and "at least one of A or B" may refer to (1) a situation including A, (2) a situation including B, or (3) a situation including both A and B.

[0021] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," and the like may refer to various elements of the various embodiments disclosed herein, but it should be understood that these labels do not limit the elements to any particular order, quantity, or importance; these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and do not limit the order and / or priority of the elements. Likewise, these terms are used relative to other terms and do not represent absolute position, location, or order. For example, a first element of one embodiment may be referred to as a second element in another embodiment, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0022] As used herein, "phr" means parts per hundred by mass of rubber, wherein "rubber" refers to an elastomeric polymer unless otherwise specified.

[0023] For the purposes of this document, the conductive filler may include or consist of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof. Carbon black refers to paracrystalline carbon having a relatively high surface area to volume ratio or surface area to mass ratio.

[0024] For purposes herein, reference to a particle component, such as a conductive filler having a minimum particle size and a maximum particle size, means that at least 95% by mass of the material has a particle size greater than or equal to the specified minimum value, and at least 95% by mass of the material has a particle size less than or equal to the specified maximum value. The designation recognizes that the particle component may include less than about 5% by weight of fines, and / or that agglomerates may be present at levels that do not significantly affect the intended properties of the final product or article in which they are present. As used herein, particle size refers to the longest dimension of the particle unless otherwise specified.

[0025] The polymeric glove may also include one or more polymer layers covering the fingers and / or palm of the user, having a thickness of greater than or equal to about 0.05 mm and less than or equal to about 0.2 mm. Likewise, the polymeric glove may also include a palm region having a thickness of greater than or equal to about 0.07 mm, or greater than or equal to about 0.08 mm, and less than or equal to about 0.17 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.15 mm. The thickness of the palm region may be greater than or equal to about 0.07 mm and less than or equal to about 0.15 mm. The thickness of the palm region may preferably be greater than or equal to 0.08 mm and less than or equal to about 0.17 mm. The polymeric glove may also have a thickness of less than about 10 mm when measured according to EN 1149-2. 8 Likewise, the polymeric glove may also have a vertical resistivity of less than about 10 ohms when measured in accordance with EN 1149-1. 6The polymeric glove may also include a surface resistivity of 100 Ω. The polymeric glove may also include a half decay time t50 (s) of electrostatic decay of less than 0.01 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-3. The at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may also include a conductive filler greater than or equal to about 2 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr. The conductive filler of the polymeric glove may have a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns. The conductive filler of the at least one layer may preferably have an average particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and less than or equal to about 5 microns.

[0026] The polymer layer of the glove may also have a glove thickness of less than or equal to about 10 when measured according to EN 1149-2. 5 Preferably, the surface resistivity of the polymer layer is less than or equal to about 10 6 The polymer layer may also have a half-decay time t50 (s) of electrostatic decay of less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-3. The polymer layer may also have a half-decay time t50 (s) of electrostatic decay of less than or equal to about 10 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-2. 5 Preferably, the surface resistivity of the polymer layer is less than or equal to about 10 6 The polymer gloves may also have a chemical permeability to heptane exceeding 30 minutes of breakthrough time. The polymer gloves may also have a chemical permeability to sodium hydroxide exceeding 30 minutes of breakthrough time when measured according to EN ISO 374 Type B. The polymer gloves may also have a chemical permeability to hydrogen peroxide exceeding 30 minutes of breakthrough time when measured according to EN ISO 374 Type B. The polymer gloves may also have a chemical permeability to formaldehyde exceeding 30 minutes of breakthrough time when measured according to EN ISO 374 Type B. Preferably, the polymer gloves may also have a chemical permeability to heptane, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and formaldehyde exceeding 30 minutes of breakthrough time when measured according to EN ISO 374 Type B.

[0027] The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of polyisobutylene. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of polychloroprene. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of ethylene vinyl acetate. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of ethylene methyl acrylate. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of ethylene propylene rubber. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of ethylene propylene diene rubber. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymer glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of natural rubber. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of polyisoprene. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of polyurethane. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of nitrile rubber (NBR). The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of carboxylated nitrile rubber. The elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene-methyl acrylate, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile rubber, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the elastomer forming at least one polymer layer of the polymeric glove may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of nitrile rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0028] At least a portion of the outer surface of the polymeric glove may also have a textured surface.

[0029] The polymer glove may be formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising an elastomer comprising an acrylonitrile-derived moiety and a butadiene-derived moiety. The polymer glove may be formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising about 5 phr or more and about 15 phr or less of a conductive filler. The polymer glove may be formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising an elastomer comprising an electrically conductive filler having a minimum particle size of about 2 microns or more and a maximum particle size of about 10 microns or less. The polymer glove may be formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising a surfactant system. Preferably, the polymer glove is formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising: an elastomer comprising an acrylonitrile-derived moiety and a butadiene-derived moiety; about 5 phr or more and about 15 phr or less of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size of about 2 microns or more and a maximum particle size of about 10 microns or less, and a surfactant system.

[0030] In addition, the polymer gloves can be formed from an aqueous emulsion containing a surfactant system that includes a diol portion. The diol portion can include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butanediol, such as 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, and / or the like; pentanediol, such as 1,5-pentanediol, 1,3-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, and / or the like; hexanediol, such as 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, and / or the like; substituted diols, such as 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2-methyl-2,3-butanediol, and / or the like; triol portions, such as glycerol, trimethylol Propane, hexanetriols, such as 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,3,5-hexanetriol and / or the like; trialkanolamines, such as triethanolamine and / or the like; tetraol moieties, including pentaerythritol, diglycerol and / or the like; pentanol moieties, including glucose, furanose and / or the like; hexanol moieties, including sorbitol, mannitol and / or the like; octanol moieties, including sucrose and / or the like; lower alkylene oxide addition products of these compounds; and / or lower alkylene oxide copolymers of these compounds, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and / or the like.

[0031] The polymeric glove may be formed by a method comprising the steps of:

[0032] a) coating a glove former in an aqueous solution of a coagulant to produce a coagulant-coated former;

[0033] b) coating the former coated with the coagulant with a rubber dispersion;

[0034] c) curing the rubber applied to the former coated with the coagulant to produce a polymer layer thereon; and

[0035] d) obtaining a disposable glove according to any embodiment disclosed herein by removing the polymer layer from the former.

[0036] A method of forming a polymeric glove may include a rubber dispersion comprising an aqueous emulsion containing an elastomer; and greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler. The rubber dispersion used to form the polymeric glove may include an aqueous emulsion comprising a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

[0037] The polymeric glove may be formed by coating a coagulant-coated former with a rubber dispersion, including drying the rubber coated on the coagulant-coated former, and preferably coating the dried rubber coated on the coagulant-coated former with a second layer of rubber dispersion.

[0038] The rubber dispersion from which the polymeric glove is formed may comprise an aqueous emulsion comprising a surfactant system, or a surfactant having an HLB of less than about 15.

[0039] The polymer glove may also comprise one or more polymer or elastomeric layers. In the alternative, the polymer glove is formed from a single polymer layer.

[0040] The polymer glove comprises at least one polymer layer, also referred to herein as an elastomeric layer, which further comprises a conductive filler. The conductive filler is preferably carbon black or comprises carbon black. The conductive filler may be or may comprise carbon nanotubes. The conductive filler preferably comprises carbon black and carbon nanotubes. The conductive filler may be effective in dissipating static charge and providing a vertical resistivity of the article of less than or equal to about 10 when measured according to EN 1149-2. 8 The conductive filler may be present in an amount that results in less than or equal to about 10 ohms when measured according to EN 1149-1. 6 The conductive filler may be present in an amount effective to cause a static decay half time t50 (s) of less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-3. The conductive filler is preferably present in an amount effective to dissipate static charge and cause the vertical resistivity of the article to be less than or equal to about 10 when measured according to EN 1149-2. 8 Ohms, resulting in a surface resistivity less than or equal to about 10 when measured in accordance with EN 1149-1 6 Ohms and produces a static decay half-decay time t50 (s) less than or equal to 0.01 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-3.

[0041] The polymer glove may also include a plurality of conductive filler particles disposed within a polymer layer forming the disposable glove. The polymer glove may be unsupported. In an alternative, the polymer glove is a supported glove. As an inherent characteristic of the glove, the polymer glove includes a pinky finger, a ring finger, a middle finger, an index finger, a thumb, and a palm assembly. The polymer glove may also include a beaded cuff. The polymer glove includes a polymer layer including a plurality of conductive filler particles. The polymer glove may also include a plurality of polymer layers including a plurality of conductive filler particles.

[0042] Figure 1 An unsupported disposable glove 100 is depicted having a plurality of conductive filler particles 122 disposed within a polymer layer that forms a disposable glove according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although an unsupported disposable glove is shown by way of example only, the embodiments disclosed herein are equally applicable to supported gloves. The disposable glove 100 includes a pinky finger 106, a ring finger 108, a middle finger 110, an index finger 112, a thumb 114, a palm assembly 116, and a foam cuff 118. The unsupported disposable glove 100 includes a polymer layer 120 that includes a plurality of conductive filler particles 122.

[0043] The polymeric glove may include a polymeric layer including a plurality of conductive filler particles. The polymeric glove may include conductive filler particles present in the polymeric layer at a concentration greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr. The conductive filler particles may have a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns. The conductive filler particles may range in size from about 2 to 5 microns.

[0044] Figure 2 The embodiment disclosed in this article shows Figure 1 2 is a close-up view 200 of a disposable glove 100. The close-up view 200 shows that the polymer layer 120 includes a plurality of conductive filler particles 122. The conductive filler particles 122 are present in the polymer layer at a concentration greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr. The conductive filler particles have a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns. For ease of illustration, the plurality of conductive filler particles 122 are not drawn to scale and include different sizes. That is, the particle size ranges from about 2 to 10 microns, and in some embodiments, the particle size range of the conductive filler particles is about 2 to 5 microns.

[0045] The polymer layer may comprise acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. The polymer layer may comprise a blend of different acrylonitrile-butadiene rubbers, such as carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene, highly carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene, non-carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene and / or elastomers derived from acrylonitrile and butadiene, having different average molecular weights, different relative compositions or ratios of acrylonitrile portions to butadiene portions, etc. The polymer layer may comprise one or more blends of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and other elastomers. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the polymer layer may also comprise a natural or synthetic polymer layer or a mixture or blend thereof. The polymer layer may comprise natural latex, such as guayule or natural rubber. The polymer layer may comprise synthetic latex, such as synthetic polyisoprene, acrylic acid, butyl latex, chloroprene rubber, water-based and / or non-aqueous polyurethanes, styrene-butadiene, etc. The polymer layer may comprise a mixture or blend of natural latex and synthetic latex. Preferably, the polymer layer comprises a highly carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene latex, which for purposes herein is defined as about 35-40 wt% carboxylated.

[0046] A method for forming an unsupported glove comprising a polymer layer having a plurality of conductive filler particles disposed therein, the unsupported glove may begin with a green hand former and may also be heated before proceeding.

[0047] The former can then be coated with a coagulant, for example, by dipping the former into a bath of a coagulant solution. The coagulant solution can also be applied thereto, for example, by spraying. The coagulant solution can be an aqueous mixture. In an alternative, the coagulant solution can be an alcohol mixture. The coagulant solution can contain calcium citrate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, acetic acid, formic acid and / or other salts and / or concentrations in a concentration of 3-12%, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] The coagulant solution may be heated, for example, at a temperature in the range of about 42° C. to 55° C. The method may also include allowing excess coagulant solution to drip dry from the liner and / or former, and in a preferred embodiment, rotating the liner and / or former with the former fingers facing upward and allowing to dry.

[0049] The method may also include dipping the untreated molded body into a polymer or elastomeric composition disclosed herein to form a polymer layer (elastomeric layer) thereon. The dipping step may be a palm dip. The dipping step may be a 3 / 4 dip. The dipping step may be a knuckle dip. The dipping step may be a full dip. The polymer layer may then be allowed to drip, i.e., the fingers are pointed downward to allow excess dipping composition to drip and reduce the thickness of the polymer layer formed thereon.

[0050] The method may also include rotating the former on which the polymer layer is disposed so that the polymer layer can dry in ambient air for a few minutes. Preferably, the polymer layer is allowed to dry for about one hour. The method may include curing the polymer layer. Preferably, the unsupported polymer layer undergoes a curing step to cure the polymer layer in an oven at a temperature greater than or equal to about 130°C for at least ten minutes. The polymer layer can be cured in a staged process, which includes different curing stages for different time periods within different temperature ranges. For example, the polymer layer can be cured in stages, including, for example, a first stage at 90°C for 15 minutes, a second stage at 100°C for 15 minutes, and a third stage at 130°C for 15 minutes.

[0051] The method may further comprise leaching or washing the polymer coating with water at an appropriate temperature. The former may be cleaned prior to coating with the coagulant, and / or a release layer may be provided on the former prior to providing the coagulant to facilitate removal of the disposable glove from the former after formation. The polymer layer may be cured at a temperature range of, for example, 90-130°C. The polymer layer is preferably cured at, for example, 120°C for about one hour. The method may comprise curing in an oven (such as an infrared oven), for example at 90°C for about 10 to 20 minutes, at 100°C for about 10 to 20 minutes, at 130°C for about 10 to 20 minutes in a first curing stage, wherein a cured disposable glove is formed. The disposable glove is then removed and the process is repeated. The method may further comprise beading the polymer layer to form a cuff prior to removing the disposable glove from the former.

[0052] Figure 3 A method 300 for forming an unsupported disposable glove according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, the glove comprising a polymer layer 120 having a plurality of conductive filler particles 122 disposed therein. At step 302, the method 300 begins, wherein an undressed hand former is provided. In some embodiments, the former is heated (step 301) before proceeding to step 304.

[0053] At block 304, the former is coated with a coagulant, for example by dipping the former into a bath of a coagulant solution. The coagulant solution may also be applied thereto, for example by spraying. The coagulant solution may be an aqueous or alcoholic mixture containing 3-12% concentrations of calcium citrate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, acetic acid, formic acid, and / or other salts and / or concentrations, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the coagulant solution is heated, for example, within a temperature range of about 42° C. to 55° C. In some embodiments, excess coagulant solution is allowed to drip dry from the liner and / or former, and the liner and / or former may be rotated with the former fingers facing upward and drying.

[0055] In step 306, the untreated former is dipped into a polymer or elastomeric composition according to embodiments disclosed herein to form a polymer layer (elastomeric layer) thereon. The dipping step may be a palm dip, a 3 / 4 dip, a knuckle dip, or a full dip as known to those skilled in the art. The polymer layer is allowed to drip downward, i.e., the fingers are pointed downward to allow excess dipping composition to drip and reduce the thickness of the polymer layer formed thereon.

[0056] At step 308, the former with the polymer layer disposed thereon is rotated so that the polymer layer can dry in ambient air for several minutes. In at least one embodiment, the polymer layer is allowed to dry for about one hour. At step 310, the unsupported polymer layer undergoes a curing step to cure the polymer layer, such as curing in an oven at about 130°C for 10 minutes. In at least one embodiment, the polymer layer is cured in a staged process, such as 90°C for 15 minutes in the first stage, 100°C for 15 minutes in the second stage, and 130°C for 15 minutes in the third stage. At step 312, the method 300 ends.

[0057] In an embodiment, the method of producing a disposable glove according to an embodiment disclosed herein is performed using an apparatus suitable for implementing the method, the apparatus including one or more controllers, conveyors, formers, tanks, ovens, etc. In an embodiment, the former can be metal or ceramic, and is generally in the shape of a hand. The former can be arched, such as a partially closed hand, or flat.

[0058] In an embodiment, the polymer coating can be leached or washed with water at an appropriate temperature (step 309). The former can be cleaned before coating with a coagulant, and / or a release layer can be provided on the former before providing the coagulant to facilitate removal of the disposable glove from the former after formation. In an embodiment, the polymer layer is cured at a temperature range of, for example, 90-130°C. In some embodiments, the polymer layer is cured at, for example, 120°C for about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the curing step includes curing in an oven (such as an infrared oven), for example at 90°C for about 10 to 20 minutes, 100°C for about 10 to 20 minutes, and 130°C for about 10 to 20 minutes in a first curing stage, wherein a cured disposable glove is formed. The disposable glove is then removed (step 311), and the process can be repeated. In some embodiments, the method further includes foaming the polymer layer to form a cuff before removing the disposable glove from the molded object.

[0059] The polymer layer may also be further chlorinated while on the former in at least one step block, or after the disposable glove is removed from the former, by dipping or otherwise contacting the disposable glove with an aqueous solution containing chlorine for a period of time sufficient to at least partially chlorinate the polymer. The chlorination may be carried out in an aqueous chlorine solution containing 500 to 15,000 ppm chlorine. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous chlorine solution contains 1,000 to 10,000 ppm chlorine. In some embodiments, the disposable glove may undergo multiple chlorination steps at different steps of the production process and after the disposable glove is formed.

[0060] In addition, some steps of the above method can be omitted or performed in a different order. In addition, additional steps can be adopted. For example, after the curing step, the uncured polymer layer on the former can be peeled off, washed and dried. The washing can be performed at a temperature of about 25°C to 60°C for about 15 to 90 minutes. Then, the disposable glove can be dried in a tumble dryer at 50°C to 70°C for about 20 to 60 minutes. In addition, other processes can be applied before the curing step.

[0061] At least a portion of the outer surface of the disposable glove may have a textured surface. The texturing or wrinkling process may include salt-based texturing applied to the polymer layer, as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patents 8,522,363 and 7,771,644, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. The disposable glove having a textured outer surface may include a textured outer layer disposed on a portion of the polymer layer to impart a texture to the outer surface. A portion of a former for producing disposable gloves may include one or more textured portions sized and arranged to impart a textured surface on a portion of a disposable glove formed using a texture former. For example, curing an elastomeric coating formed on a former, wherein a grip-defining portion of the former has an Ra average roughness of about 7-14 microns, an Rsm average roughness width of about 500-720, an Rpc and a peak count of about 15-20, as disclosed in commonly assigned US10058137 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the glove former has one or more surfaces on the fingertip region with an Ra average roughness of about 7-14 microns, an Rsm average roughness width of about 500-720, and / or an Rpc peak count of about 15-20. In some embodiments, the fingertip region of the glove former has an Rz average roughness depth of about 30-50 microns, an Rmax maximum roughness depth of about 40-70 microns, an Rp height of the highest peak of about 8-22 microns, and / or an Rv depth of the deepest valley of about 16-35 microns, as disclosed in US 10,405,593 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The polymer glove may include a second polymer layer. For example, the method of making a disposable glove may further include the step of providing another polymer layer on the former described above. The polymer layer may optionally have a coagulant provided thereon.

[0063] It has been unexpectedly discovered that disposable gloves according to embodiments disclosed herein have an enhanced ability to dissipate static electricity into the environment. Applicants have discovered that a relatively low amount of conductive filler combined with a relatively large size and limited size range of conductive filler, i.e., greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns, results in the unexpected benefit of a disposable glove having a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm and, in embodiments, less than or equal to about 10 microns as measured in accordance with EN 1149-2 as defined at the time of filing this application. 8 The vertical resistivity in ohms, in the embodiments measured according to EN 1149-1 as defined at the time of filing this application, is less than or equal to about 10 6 The surface resistivity is ohmic, and in the embodiments the half decay time t50 (s) of the electrostatic decay measured according to EN 1149-3 as defined at the time of filing of this application is less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds.

[0064] Elastic polymer

[0065] The at least one polymer layer may include an elastomer comprising polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or combinations thereof.

[0066] The at least one polymer layer may include nitrile rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0067] The polymer layer may comprise a blend of one or more nitrile rubbers. The elastomer may comprise a blend of one or more nitrile rubbers and one or more elastomers derived from isobutylene, chloroprene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate, ethylene-methyl acrylate, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, polyurethane, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, dimethylstyrene, poly(methyl)acrylamide, poly-N,N-dimethylacrylamide, poly(methyl)acrylate, poly(butyl)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl(methyl)acrylate or a combination thereof.

[0068] The polymer layer can have a minimum elongation of greater than or equal to about 400%, or greater than or equal to about 500%, or greater than or equal to about 600% and a tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 14 MPa when measured according to ASTM D412 or its equivalent.

[0069] Conductive filler

[0070] Conductive fillers suitable for use herein may include carbon black, such as acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, or combinations thereof.

[0071] In addition, carbon black suitable for use herein can be produced by incomplete combustion of coal and coal tar, plant matter or petroleum products. In embodiments, carbon black is produced from fuel oil, fluid catalytic cracking tar, ethylene cracking and / or the like.

[0072] Conductive fillers suitable for use herein may include carbon nanotubes.

[0073] The conductive filler may be present in the polymer layer at a concentration by mass of greater than or equal to about 2 phr, or greater than or equal to about 3 phr, or greater than or equal to about 4 phr, or greater than or equal to about 5 phr, or greater than or equal to about 6 phr, and less than or equal to about 15 phr, or less than or equal to about 13 phr, or less than or equal to about 10 phr, or less than or equal to about 9 phr, or less than or equal to about 8 phr.

[0074] The minimum particle size of the conductive filler can be greater than or equal to about 2 microns, or greater than or equal to about 3 microns, or greater than or equal to about 4 microns, or greater than or equal to about 5 microns. In an embodiment, the maximum particle size of the conductive filler is less than or equal to about 10 microns, or less than or equal to about 8 microns, or greater than or equal to about 7 microns when measured according to methods known in the art.

[0075] The conductive filler may be present in the polymer layer with an average particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns, or greater than or equal to about 3 microns, or greater than or equal to about 4 microns, and greater than or equal to about 7 microns, or less than or equal to about 5 microns.

[0076] Impregnation compositions / coating emulsions

[0077] In addition to one or more other elements associated with a particular embodiment of the disposable glove, the glove is formed by coating a former with an emulsion comprising a nitrile rubber and greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns. The solvent is then removed from the coating solution and the resulting layer present on the former is cured to form a polymer layer. This coating emulsion, also referred to in the art as a "dipping solution" or dipping composition, also includes a surfactant system that stabilizes the rubber and the conductive filler therein so that the components present in the polymer layer disposed on the former during the coating process are evenly distributed throughout the layer.

[0078] It should be understood that although the coating emulsion may be referred to as a "dipping solution", it is not a "clear" solution in the strict sense of the term, but rather a heterogeneous emulsion comprising dispersed rubber polymer, conductive filler, water and / or other solvents, stabilized by a surfactant system. The dipping solution may also contain other components and additives.

[0079] In an embodiment, the impregnation solution and the polymer layer formed from the impregnation solution may further include fillers, surfactants, waxes, paraffins, thickeners, rheological agents, pigments, antioxidants, vulcanizing agents such as sulfur, zinc oxide, rubber accelerators, activators, thioureas, benzothiazole sulfonamides, thiazoles such as mercaptobenzothiazole, mercaptobenzothiazole zinc, dibenzodithiazyl disulfide, disulphide), dialkyl dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate, zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate, sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate, sodium dibutyl thiocarbamate, zinc dibenzyl dithiocarbamate, or combinations thereof; thiurams such as tetramethyl thiuram disulfide, tetraethyl thiuram disulfide, tetrabutyl thiuram disulfide, dipentamethylene thiuram tetrasulfide, or xanthogens such as diisopropyl xanthogen polysulfide, dihydrocarbyl xanthogen polysulfide, dibutyl xanthogen polysulfide, antioxidants, antiozonants, rheology modifiers such as various clays and aluminosilicates, pH adjusters such as hydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, pigments, processing agents, and / or combinations thereof; and the like. In embodiments, the impregnation composition is formed by diluting a masterbatch containing the various components in proportions such that upon dilution, for example with water, a suitable impregnation composition results.

[0080] In addition to one or more other elements associated with a particular embodiment of the disposable glove, the dipping solution for forming the disposable glove includes greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns. The components of the dipping solution are present in a stable emulsion in which water is the continuous phase. These ingredients are emulsified by a surfactant system. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic oleophobic balance (HLB) of the surfactant is less than about 15. In embodiments, the HLB of the surfactant is less than or equal to about 13, or less than or equal to about 12. In certain embodiments, the surfactant system comprises an ethoxylated portion containing from about 5 to about 15 moles of ethylene oxide (5-15 EO), or from about 9 to 11 moles of EO.

[0081] In addition to one or more other elements relevant to a particular embodiment of the disposable glove, the dipping solution may also include a mixture of surfactants including dodecylbenzene sulfonate and / or aliphatic sulfonate; cationic sulfonates, cationic surfactants, such as polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated quaternary amines, polyethylene glycol alkyl esters, ethoxylated glycols, amino acid-based surfactants, imidazoline surfactants and / or betaines, and the like.

[0082] In addition to one or more other elements relevant to a particular embodiment of the disposable glove, the impregnation solution may also include one or more curing agents, such as sulfur or a sulfur donor. Flow and / or rheology modifiers, promoters and / or activators, such as zinc oxide, may be added to the nitrile composition. In an embodiment, water is added to form a nitrile composition having a total solids content (TSC) of about 30-40%, such as 33%. In some embodiments, the impregnation solution is essentially "solvent-free", meaning that no organic solvent is present in the impregnation solution. In some embodiments, the impregnation solution may include aliphatic carboxylic acids and / or pH stabilizers. In some embodiments, the nitrile resin is carboxylated. In some embodiments, the nitrile is highly carboxylated, such as 35% or more carboxylated.

[0083] ESD Characteristics

[0084] In addition to one or more other elements associated with a particular embodiment of the disposable glove, the disposable glove complies with the EN 16350 standard, i.e., the vertical resistivity of the disposable glove is less than about 10 when measured according to EN ISO 1149-2 or its equivalent standard. 8 Ohm (Ω), with a surface resistivity of less than about 10 when measured in accordance with EN ISO 1149-1 or its equivalent 6In an embodiment, the vertical resistivity of the disposable glove is less than or equal to about 10 when measured according to EN ISO 1149-2 or its equivalent. 6 Ohms, or less than or equal to about 10 5 In some embodiments, the electrostatic decay half time t50 (s) of the disposable glove is less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds when measured according to EN 1149-3 or its equivalent.

[0085] Chemical / Biological Protection

[0086] The chemical permeability of disposable gloves to heptane, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde may exceed a breakthrough time of 30 minutes as measured according to EN ISO 374 Class B.

[0087] The disposable glove may include a polymer layer including a conductive filler in the shape of a hand and having positions for a thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger for accommodating a hand of a wearer. The conductive filler particles are present in the polymer layer in an amount of greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr, and the conductive filler has a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

[0088] The thickness of the disposable glove may be greater than or equal to about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. In an embodiment, the average thickness of the disposable glove is about 0.08 mm to about 0.15 mm. In an embodiment, the ratio of the average particle size of the conductive filler to the average thickness of the disposable glove is about 0.06 to about 0.25.

[0089] Disposable gloves are preferably suitable for use with touch screens.

[0090] Embodiments contemplated herein include:

[0091] E1. A polymeric glove suitable for single use, comprising:

[0092] One or more polymer layers covering the fingers and palm of a user, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns, and wherein the polymer glove has less than about 10 8 Vertical resistivity in ohms.

[0093] E2. The polymeric glove according to embodiment E1, having a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

[0094] E3. The polymeric glove according to embodiment E1 or E2, having a thickness of about 0.08 mm to about 0.15 mm.

[0095] E4. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E3, wherein the average particle size of the conductive filler is greater than or equal to about 2 microns and less than or equal to about 5 microns.

[0096] E5. A polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E4, having a vertical resistivity of less than or equal to about 10 5 ohm.

[0097] E6. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E5, having a chemical permeability to one or more of heptane, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and formaldehyde exceeding a 30 minute strike-through time.

[0098] E7. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E6, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises a cross-linked elastomer.

[0099] E8. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E7, wherein the at least one polymer layer comprises polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or combinations thereof.

[0100] E9. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E8, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises nitrile rubber.

[0101] E10. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E9, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the glove has a textured surface.

[0102] E11. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E10, formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising:

[0103] a latex emulsion comprising one or more elastomers; and

[0104] Greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

[0105] E12. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E11, wherein the aqueous emulsion further comprises a surfactant system having an HLB of less than about 15.

[0106] E13. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E12, wherein the conductive filler comprises carbon black.

[0107] E14. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E13, wherein the conductive filler comprises carbon nanotubes.

[0108] E15. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E14, having a surface resistivity of less than or equal to about 10 6 ohm.

[0109] E16. The polymeric glove according to embodiment E15, wherein the surface resistivity is determined according to EN 1149-1.

[0110] E17. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E16, wherein the half-decay time t50 (s) of the electrostatic decay is less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds.

[0111] E18. The polymeric glove according to embodiment E17, wherein the electrostatic decay is determined according to EN 1149-3.

[0112] E19. The polymeric glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E18, wherein the vertical resistivity is determined according to EN 1149-2.

[0113] E20. The polymer glove according to one or more of embodiments E6, wherein the chemical permeability is determined according to EN ISO 374-3 Type B.

[0114] E21. A method of producing a disposable glove according to one or more of embodiments E1 to E20, comprising:

[0115] coating the glove former in an aqueous solution of a coagulant to produce a coagulant-coated former;

[0116] coating the coagulant-coated former with a rubber dispersion;

[0117] curing the rubber coated on the coagulant-coated former to produce a polymer layer thereon; and

[0118] A glove is obtained by removing the polymer layer from the former, the glove comprising one or more polymer layers covering the fingers and palm of a user, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns, and wherein the polymer glove has less than about 10 8 Vertical resistivity in ohms.

[0119] E22. A method for producing a disposable glove, comprising:

[0120] coating the glove former in an aqueous solution of a coagulant to produce a coagulant-coated former;

[0121] coating the coagulant-coated former with a rubber dispersion;

[0122] curing the rubber coated on the coagulant-coated former to produce a polymer layer thereon; and

[0123] A glove is obtained by removing the polymer layer from the former, the glove comprising one or more polymer layers covering the fingers and palm of a user, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns, and wherein the polymer glove has less than about 10 8 Vertical resistivity in ohms.

[0124] E23. A method according to embodiment E21 or E22, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises an aqueous emulsion, the aqueous emulsion comprising: an elastomer; and a conductive filler greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr, the conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

[0125] E24. The method according to one or more of embodiments E21 to E23, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises a surfactant system having an HLB of less than about 15.

[0126] E25. A method according to one or more of embodiments E21 to E24, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises at least one of polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0127] E26. The method of one or more of embodiments E21 to E25, wherein the polymer layer comprises about 5 phr or more and about 15 phr or less of a conductive filler, the conductive filler comprising carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof, having a minimum particle size of about 2 microns or more and a maximum particle size of about 10 microns or less, and having a particle size of about 10 microns or less. 8 Vertical resistivity in ohms.

[0128] E27. A method according to one or more of embodiments E21 to E26, wherein the polymer layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about 10 6 A surface resistivity of ohms, a half decay time t50 (s) of electrostatic decay of less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The above disclosure and description of the present invention are for the purpose of illustration and explanation, and those skilled in the art can easily understand that various changes can be made to the size, shape and material, as well as the details of the shown construction or the combination of the elements described herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0130] Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications may be made in the example embodiments without materially departing from the present invention. All such modifications are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures described herein that perform the described function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, while a nail and a screw may not be structurally equivalent because a nail employs a cylindrical surface to fasten wooden parts together while a screw employs a helical surface, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures in the context of fastening wooden parts. Applicant expressly disclaims that 35 U.S.C. § 112(6) is not to be invoked with respect to any element of any claim herein, except where the claim expressly uses the term "tool" and the associated function.

[0131] All numerical values ​​described herein are exemplary and should not be considered limiting, and include ranges therebetween, and may include or exclude endpoints. Optional included ranges may be integer values ​​therebetween, the cited order of magnitude, or the next smaller order of magnitude. For example, if the lower limit is 0.1, the optional included endpoints may be 0.2, 0.3, 0.4. 1.1, 1.2, etc., and 1, 2, 3, etc.; if the upper range is 10, the optional included endpoints may be 7, 6, etc., and 7.9, 7.8, etc.

[0132] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used, where possible, to represent common comparable elements in the drawings. These numbers are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments without further description.

[0133] The publications and references cited in this specification, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication or reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference for full disclosure. Any patent application to which this application claims priority is also incorporated herein by reference in the above manner for disclosure and reference.

Claims

1. A polymer glove suitable for single use, comprising: One or more polymer layers covering the fingers and palm of a user, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

2. The polymer glove of claim 1, having a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm.

3. The polymeric glove of claim 1, having a thickness of about 0.08 mm to about 0.15 mm.

4. The polymer glove of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the average particle size of the conductive filler is greater than or equal to about 2 microns and less than or equal to about 5 microns.

5. The polymer glove of claim 1, having a vertical resistivity of less than or equal to about 10 8 ohm.

6. The polymeric glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a chemical permeability to one or more of heptane, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde exceeding a 30 minute strike-through time.

7. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises a cross-linked elastomer.

8. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a combination thereof.

9. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises nitrile rubber.

10. The polymeric glove of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the glove has a textured surface.

11. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, formed from an aqueous emulsion comprising: a latex emulsion comprising one or more elastomers; and Greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

12. The polymer glove of claim 11, wherein the aqueous emulsion further comprises a surfactant system having an HLB of less than about 15.

13. The polymeric glove of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the conductive filler comprises carbon black.

14. The polymer glove of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the conductive filler comprises carbon nanotubes.

15. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a surface resistivity of less than or equal to about 10 6 ohm.

16. The polymer glove according to claim 15, wherein the surface resistivity is determined according to EN 1149-1.

17. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the half decay time t50 (s) of the electrostatic decay is less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds.

18. The polymer glove according to claim 17, wherein the static decay is determined according to EN 1149-3.

19. The polymer glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vertical resistivity is measured according to EN 1149-2.

20. The polymeric glove of claim 6, wherein the chemical permeability is determined according to EN ISO 374-3 Type B.

21. A method for producing disposable gloves, comprising: coating the glove former in an aqueous solution of a coagulant to produce a coagulant-coated former; coating the coagulant-coated former with a rubber dispersion; curing the rubber applied to the former coated with the coagulant to produce a polymer layer thereon; and A glove is obtained by removing the polymer layer from the former, the glove comprising one or more polymer layers covering the fingers and palm of a user, wherein at least one polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises an aqueous emulsion comprising: an elastomer; and greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises a surfactant system having an HLB of less than about 15.

24. The method of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the rubber dispersion comprises at least one of polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, or a combination thereof.

25. The method of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the polymer layer comprises greater than or equal to about 5 phr and less than or equal to about 15 phr of a conductive filler, the conductive filler comprising carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof, having a minimum particle size greater than or equal to about 2 microns and a maximum particle size less than or equal to about 10 microns, and having a particle size less than or equal to 10 8 Vertical resistivity in ohms.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the polymer layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about 10 6 A surface resistivity in ohms, a static decay half-decay time t50(s) of less than or equal to about 0.01 seconds, or a combination thereof.

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