Hydrogel coating formulations

Abstract

Hydrogel coating formulations comprising oat-glucan, colloidal oat, a preservative, a carboxylic acid, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, a pH adjusting agent, and a solvent. Gloves coated with at least one layer of a coating prepared from the above hydrogel coating formulation. A process for preparing a hydrogel coating formulation comprising the steps of adding a first pH adjusting agent and oat-glucan to a first solvent, adding a second pH adjusting agent to a carboxylic acid, adding a second mixture obtained from step (ii), a cross-linking agent, and an initiator to the first mixture obtained from step (i), a second solvent is added to the third mixture obtained from step (iii) and colloidal oats and sodium benzoate are added to the fourth mixture obtained from step (iv). A glove is coated with at least one layer of the hydrogel coating formulation prepared by the above process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hydrogel coating formulations and methods for manufacturing the same, particularly for coating elastomeric articles, such as, but not limited to, gloves. The hydrogel coating formulations of this invention exhibit desirable swelling properties, and gloves coated with these formulations exhibit desirable sweat-wicking capabilities, which help improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss from the user's skin. Background Technology

[0002] Disposable gloves made from, but not limited to, natural rubber and synthetic latex provide wearers with necessary protection against harmful substances, chemicals, allergens, and microbiological agents. The gloves form an impermeable latex layer between the external environment and the wearer's skin for protective purposes, resulting in a lack of air circulation in the internal environment between the glove and the wearer's skin. Prolonged wear of gloves can lead to increased sweating, resulting in excessive sweat buildup on the wearer's skin due to the lack of air circulation.

[0003] Subsequently, excessive sweat buildup on the user's skin over a prolonged period can lead to skin damage and irritation, such as, but not limited to, dryness, redness, and itching. This can result in more serious skin conditions, such as chronic contact dermatitis and hydration dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is skin irritation caused by direct contact between the skin and the glove membrane. Hydration dermatitis can be caused by sweat continuously spreading from the inner dermis layer to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.

[0004] Furthermore, excessive sweat buildup on the user's skin due to extensive swelling of corneocytes can lead to thickening of the stratum corneum. This condition is known as hydration injury. Additionally, excessive sweat buildup on the user's skin can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

[0005] On the other hand, excessive sweat buildup on the user's skin can cause surfactants to leach from the gloves, leading to contact dermatitis. Both hydration dermatitis and contact dermatitis can result in a damaged skin moisture barrier, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dry skin, skin inflammation, and the penetration of foreign substances into the skin.

[0006] As described above, a method for identifying coating formulations has been developed, particularly for coating the inner surface of elastomeric articles (especially gloves) so that the gloves can exhibit desired swelling properties and sweat-wicking capacity, which helps improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss from the user's skin. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to hydrogel coating formulations containing oats. -Oat beta-glucan, colloidal oatmeal, preservatives, carboxylic acids, initiators, cross-linking agents, pH adjusters, and solvents, including oatmeal The amount of dextran used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of gelatinous oats used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of preservative used ranges from 0.01% to 0.2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of carboxylic acid used ranges from 0.1% to 2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of initiator used ranges from 0.01% to 0.12% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of crosslinking agent used ranges from 0.0005% to 0.02% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of pH adjuster used ranges from 0.2% to 1% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, and the amount of solvent used ranges from 95.66% to 99.58% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation. The present invention further relates to gloves coated with at least one layer of a coating prepared from the above-described hydrogel coating formulation.

[0008] Furthermore, a method for preparing a hydrogel coating formulation, wherein the method includes the following steps: (i) adding a first pH adjuster and oats while stirring. (i) A first mixture is prepared by adding dextran to a first solvent to produce a first mixture, wherein the first mixture is stirred at 500 rpm to 1000 rpm for 20 to 40 minutes at a temperature ranging from 85°C to 95°C; (ii) A second pH adjuster is added to a carboxylic acid while stirring to produce a second mixture, wherein the second mixture is stirred at 300 rpm to 500 rpm for 5 to 15 minutes at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C; (iii) A third mixture is prepared by adding the second mixture obtained in step (ii), a crosslinking agent, and an initiator one after another to the first mixture obtained in step (i) while stirring to produce a third mixture, wherein the third mixture is stirred at a temperature ranging from 65°C to 75°C. (iv) While stirring, add the second solvent to the third mixture obtained from step (iii) to produce a fourth mixture, wherein the fourth mixture is stirred at 200 rpm to 400 rpm for 10 to 20 minutes at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C; and (v) while stirring, add the gelled oats and sodium benzoate one after another without a specific order to the fourth mixture obtained from step (iv) to produce a hydrogel coating formulation, wherein the hydrogel coating formulation is stirred at 200 rpm to 400 rpm for 50 to 70 minutes at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Coat gloves with at least one layer of the hydrogel coating formulation prepared by the above method.

[0009] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0010] This document discloses a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as the basis for the claims and for teaching those skilled in the art. Numerical data or ranges used in this specification should not be construed as limiting.

[0011] This invention relates to hydrogel coating formulations and methods for manufacturing the same, particularly for coating elastomeric articles, such as, but not limited to, gloves. The hydrogel coating formulations of this invention exhibit desirable swelling properties, and gloves coated with these formulations exhibit desirable sweat-wicking capabilities, which help improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss from the user's skin.

[0012] For the purposes of this invention, the term "inner surface" refers to the surface of the glove that comes into contact with the user's skin. For the purposes of this invention, the term "artificial sweat absorption capacity" refers to the total amount of artificial sweat absorbed. For the purposes of this invention, the term "skin hydration" refers to the amount of water content in the stratum corneum of the skin. For the purposes of this invention, the term "transepidermal water loss" refers to the amount of water passively evaporated from the skin to the external environment due to the water vapor pressure gradient across the skin barrier.

[0013] A first aspect of the invention discusses hydrogel coating formulations subsequently used to form a coating layer on the inner surface of elastomeric articles (e.g., but not limited to gloves). The hydrogel coating formulations of the invention have a pH range of 3 to 5, a total solids content range of 1.24% to 2.82% by weight, and a viscosity range of 2.025 cP to 2.475 cP.

[0014] The hydrogel coating formulation contains oats. - Dextran, colloidal oats, preservatives, carboxylic acids, initiators, cross-linking agents, pH adjusters, and solvents (composition as described in Table 1).

[0015] oat - The amount of dextran used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.1% to 0.4%, and most preferably 0.28%. Oatmeal - Glucan is used in powder form, including oats - The dextran powder has a particle size ranging from 45 μm to 300 μm.

[0016] The amount of gelatinous oats used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.1% to 0.4%, and most preferably 0.25%. The gelatinous oats are used in powder form, wherein the gelatinous oat powder has a particle size ranging from 21 μm to 125 μm.

[0017] The preservative is selected from sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, calcium sorbate and mixtures thereof, with sodium benzoate being preferred. The amount of the preservative used ranges from 0.01% to 0.2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.05% to 0.1%, and most preferably 0.08%.

[0018] The carboxylic acid is selected from itaconic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alginic acid and mixtures thereof, with itaconic acid being preferred. The amount of carboxylic acid used ranges from 0.1% to 2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.56% to 1.12%, and most preferably 0.84%.

[0019] The initiator is selected from ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, tetramethylethylenediamine and mixtures thereof, with ammonium persulfate being preferred. The amount of the initiator ranges from 0.01% to 0.12% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.03% to 0.09%, and most preferably 0.06%.

[0020] The crosslinking agent is selected from N-N'-methylenebisacrylamide, glutaraldehyde, gallic acid and mixtures thereof, preferably N-N'-methylenebisacrylamide, wherein the amount of crosslinking agent used ranges from 0.0005% to 0.02% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.001% to 0.01%, and most preferably 0.003%.

[0021] The pH adjuster comprises a first pH adjuster and a second pH adjuster. The amount of the pH adjuster ranges from 0.2% to 1% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.4% to 0.7%, and most preferably 0.56%. The first pH adjuster is selected from citric acid, ascorbic acid, and mixtures thereof, preferably citric acid, wherein the amount of the first pH adjuster ranges from 0.1% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.2% to 0.35%, and most preferably 0.28%. The second pH adjuster is selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, preferably sodium hydroxide, wherein the amount of the second pH adjuster ranges from 0.1% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 0.2% to 0.35%, and most preferably 0.28%.

[0022] The solvent comprises a first solvent and a second solvent. The first and second solvents are selected from distilled water, soft water, deionized water, ultrapure water, and mixtures thereof, with distilled water being preferred. The amount of solvent used ranges from 95.66% to 99.58% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 97.18% to 98.76%, and most preferably from 97.93%. The amount of the first solvent ranges from 19.13% to 19.92% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 19.44% to 19.75%, and most preferably from 19.59%. The amount of the second solvent ranges from 76.53% to 79.66% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, preferably from 77.74% to 79.01%, and most preferably from 78.34%.

[0023] For the purposes of this invention, the term "soft water" refers to water containing less than 17 ppm of ions (e.g., but not limited to calcium and magnesium). For the purposes of this invention, the term "ultrapure water" refers to water containing only H₂O and a balanced amount of H₂O. + and OH - Water with ions, resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm, total organic carbon less than 10 ppb, bacterial count less than 10 CFU / ml, and no detectable endotoxins.

[0024] Table 1 shows the chemical composition and structure of the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention.

[0025] Table 1: Chemical composition and structure of the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention

[0026]

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention discusses a method for preparing the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0028] i. While stirring, add the first pH adjuster and oats. - Dextran (composition as shown in Table 1) is added to a first solvent (composition as shown in Table 1) to produce a first mixture, wherein the first mixture is stirred at a temperature of 85°C to 95°C, preferably 90°C, at a speed of 500 rpm to 1000 rpm, preferably 750 rpm for 20 minutes to 40 minutes, preferably 30 minutes.

[0029] ii. While stirring, a second pH adjuster is added to a carboxylic acid (composition shown in Table 1) to produce a second mixture, wherein the second mixture is stirred at a temperature of 20°C to 30°C, preferably 25°C, at a speed of 300 rpm to 500 rpm, preferably 400 rpm, for 5 to 15 minutes, preferably 10 minutes, wherein the second mixture has a pH of 4.5, and wherein the second mixture is a partially neutralized carboxylic acid;

[0030] iii. While stirring, the second mixture obtained from step (ii), the crosslinking agent, and the initiator (composition shown in Table 1) are added one after another to the first mixture obtained from step (i) to produce a third mixture, wherein the third mixture is stirred at a temperature of 65°C to 75°C, preferably 70°C, at a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm, preferably 300 rpm for 160 minutes to 200 minutes, preferably 180 minutes.

[0031] iv. While stirring, the second solvent (composition as shown in Table 1) is added to the third mixture obtained from step (iii) to produce a fourth mixture, wherein the fourth mixture is stirred at a temperature of 20°C to 30°C, preferably 25°C, at a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm, preferably 300 rpm, for 10 to 20 minutes, preferably 15 minutes; and

[0032] v. While stirring, gelled oats and sodium benzoate (composition as shown in Table 1) are added one after another without a specific order to the fourth mixture obtained from step (iv) to prepare the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention, wherein the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention is stirred at a temperature of 20°C to 30°C, preferably 25°C, at a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm, preferably 300 rpm, for 50 minutes to 70 minutes, preferably 60 minutes.

[0033] For the purposes of this invention, the phrase “one after another without a particular order” means that any of the chemicals can be added first and then the other, because the order of mixing is not critical.

[0034] The hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention is a water-based hydrogel coating formulation that can be used to generate hydrogel coatings on gloves. For the purposes of this invention, the term "hydrogel" refers to a three-dimensional polymer network structure with hydrophilic properties that is capable of swelling and retaining a potentially large volume of water in the swollen state while maintaining its structure.

[0035] A third aspect of the invention discusses the gloves of the invention, which are coated with at least one layer of the hydrogel coating formulation of the invention, wherein the composition is as described in Table 1. The gloves are prepared using any method generally known in the glove manufacturing industry, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0036] i. Cleaning the mold to produce a cleaned mold, wherein the first step is to treat with an acidic solution (e.g., but not limited to nitric acid), the second step is to treat with an alkaline solution (e.g., but not limited to an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution), the third step is to rinse with hot water, and the fourth step is to dry to ensure that the mold surface is clean;

[0037] ii. Immerse the cleaned mold obtained in step (i) in a coagulant solution at a temperature range of 55°C to 65°C to coat the mold with a coagulant layer, wherein the coagulant solution is, for example, but not limited to, 10% to 20% by weight of calcium nitrate.

[0038] iii. Dry the coagulant layer coated on the mold obtained in step (ii) at a temperature of 55°C to 65°C to obtain a dried coagulant layer;

[0039] iv. Immerse the dried coagulant layer obtained in step (iii) onto the mold in a latex impregnation tank containing a latex formulation at a temperature range of 40°C to 60°C to coat the mold with a latex layer.

[0040] v. Dry the latex layer coated on the mold obtained in step (iv) at a temperature of 80°C to 150°C to obtain a dried latex film;

[0041] vi. Pre-leach the dried latex film coated on the mold obtained in step (v) with hot water at a temperature of 40°C to 60°C to leach out chemical residues, thereby obtaining a pre-leached latex film;

[0042] vii. The pre-extracted latex film coated on the mold obtained in step (vi) is vulcanized by heating at a temperature of 80°C to 150°C to leach out chemical residues, thereby obtaining vulcanized gloves;

[0043] viii. Chlorinate the vulcanized gloves obtained in step (vii) to obtain treated gloves, wherein the chlorine is used at a strength of 800 ppm to 2000 ppm;

[0044] ix. The chlorinated gloves obtained in step (viii) are neutralized by treatment with alkali and water to leach out chemical residues, thereby obtaining neutralized gloves;

[0045] x. At a temperature of 55°C to 65°C, preferably 60°C, the neutralized gloves obtained in step (ix) are immersed in an impregnation tank containing the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention (composition as described in Table 1) for a duration of 5 to 20 seconds, preferably 10 seconds, to obtain coated gloves.

[0046] xi. Drying the coated gloves obtained in step (x) to prepare the gloves of the present invention; and

[0047] xii. Peel off the glove of the invention obtained in step (xi) from the mold.

[0048] The latex formulation mentioned in step iv can be any conventional latex formulation, preferably containing a base polymer, accelerator, crosslinking agent and opacity enhancer (composition as described in Table 2).

[0049] The base polymer is selected from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber latex, natural rubber latex, polychloroprene latex, polyisoprene latex, and mixtures thereof. The base polymer is used in amounts of 100 phr (also known as parts per hundred parts of rubber), wherein the parts per hundred parts of rubber are used as a basis of measurement for other chemicals.

[0050] The accelerator is a carbamate-based accelerator. The dosage of the accelerator ranges from 0.5 phr to 2.0 phr, preferably from 0.5 phr to 1.0 phr, and most preferably 0.75 phr.

[0051] The crosslinking agent is selected from sulfur, zinc oxide, and mixtures thereof, preferably a mixture of sulfur and zinc oxide. The amount of crosslinking agent used ranges from 1.0 phr to 5.0 phr, preferably from 2.0 phr to 4.0 phr, and most preferably 3.0 phr.

[0052] The opacity enhancer is titanium dioxide. The amount of the opacity enhancer ranges from 0.5 phr to 2.0 phr, preferably from 0.7 phr to 1.8 phr, and most preferably 1.5 phr.

[0053] The pH adjuster is selected from ammonia, aqueous potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, with ammonia being preferred. The amount of pH adjuster used ranges from 0.3 phr to 0.7 phr, preferably from 0.4 phr to 0.6 phr, and most preferably 0.5 phr.

[0054] The solvent is selected from soft water, distilled water, and mixtures thereof, with soft water being preferred. The amount of solvent used ranges from 240 phr to 270 phr, preferably from 250 phr to 260 phr, and most preferably 255 phr.

[0055] Table 2 shows the chemical composition and structure of the latex formulations of the present invention.

[0056] Table 2: Chemical composition and composition of the latex formulation of the present invention

[0057]

[0058] Relative to 100 parts of rubber

[0059] The gloves of this invention can be single-layered or multi-layered.

[0060] The invention is illustrated in the following embodiments in a non-limiting manner.

[0061] The gloves of the present invention are prepared by using latex formulations as summarized in Table 2 and coated with hydrogel coating formulations of the present invention as summarized in Table 1 using any method generally known in the glove manufacturing industry, wherein the hydrogel coating formulations are prepared based on the method described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0062] Test results of the hydrogel coating formulation and gloves of the present invention

[0063] The control non-hydrogel coating formulation contained oats. - Dextran (0.28 wt% of the non-hydrogel coating formulation), gelatinous oats (0.25 wt% of the non-hydrogel coating formulation), sodium benzoate (0.08 wt% of the non-hydrogel coating formulation), and solvent (99.39 wt% of the non-hydrogel coating formulation), wherein the non-hydrogel coating formulation is prepared using any method generally known in the coating manufacturing industry. The control glove refers to a glove having a non-hydrogel coating layer prepared from the above-described non-hydrogel coating formulation. The control glove is prepared using any method generally known in the glove manufacturing industry.

[0064] Meanwhile, the gloves of the present invention are prepared by using latex formulations as summarized in Table 2 and coated with hydrogel coating formulations of the present invention as summarized in Table 1 using any method generally known in the glove manufacturing industry, wherein the hydrogel coating formulations are prepared based on the method described in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0065] The artificial sweat solution contains sodium chloride (1.08% by weight), lactic acid (88%) (0.12% by weight), and urea (0.13% by weight). The remainder of the artificial sweat solution consists of a solvent, which is deionized water. The pH of the artificial sweat solution is adjusted to pH 6.5 using sodium hydroxide.

[0066] Swelling ability

[0067] The control non-hydrogel coating formulation and the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention were dried in an oven at 50°C for 12 hours. Subsequently, the dried control non-hydrogel coating formulation and the hydrogel formulation of the present invention were inserted into individual tea bags. The weight (M1) of the tea bags together with the dried coating formulation was then measured. The tea bags, along with the dried coating formulation, were then immersed in an artificial sweat solution. The tea bags were then removed from the artificial sweat solution at time intervals of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes, and the weight (M2) of the immersed tea bags was measured, wherein the immersed tea bags were gently patted dry with filter paper before their weight was measured.

[0068] The formula for calculating the swelling ratio (%) of the coating formulation is shown below:

[0069]

[0070] Figure 1The swelling rates of the control non-hydrogel coating formulation and the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention are shown. Based on the results obtained, it is noteworthy that the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention has a better swelling rate compared to the control non-hydrogel coating formulation. Therefore, the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention improves the swelling capacity of the gloves. This indicates that the gloves of the present invention can absorb more sweat, which subsequently reduces irritation to the user's skin caused by sweat buildup due to prolonged glove wear.

[0071] Artificial sweat absorption capacity

[0072] The weights (W1) of the control glove and the glove of the present invention were measured. Then, the control glove and the glove of the present invention were worn onto separate molds (with the inner surface facing outwards) and dried in an oven at 60°C for 30 minutes. The molds were then immersed in an artificial sweat solution for 60 seconds. Subsequently, the molds were removed from the artificial sweat solution, and excess sweat was allowed to drip from the glove surface for 10 minutes. The artificial sweat solution droplets on the fingertips of the gloves were gently patted dry with filter paper. Then, the control glove and the glove of the present invention were peeled off the molds. Finally, the weights (W2) of the control glove and the glove of the present invention were measured.

[0073]

[0074] Figure 2 The sweat-wicking capacity of the control gloves and the gloves of the present invention are shown. Based on the results obtained, it is noteworthy that the gloves having a coating layer prepared from the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention have better sweat-wicking capacity compared to the control gloves. This indicates that the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention improves the sweat-wicking capacity of the gloves.

[0075] In vivo assessment of skin properties (i.e., skin hydration and transepidermal water loss) in non-clinical settings

[0076] For the purposes of this invention, the term "non-clinical setting" refers to a space or platform that does not involve human examination and treatment.

[0077] Ten adults aged 25 to 35 years participated in the in vivo assessment. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, Group A and Group B, with five participants in each group. During the pre-stimulation phase, participants in both Groups A and B were instructed to wear uncoated nitrile gloves on both their left and right hands for eight hours daily for three consecutive days for pre-stimulation purposes. The purpose of pre-stimulation was to reset the participants' measurement baseline by treating their hands under the same conditions prior to the active phase.

[0078] Subsequently, during the activity phase, participants in Group A were instructed to wear a control glove on their left hand and the glove of the present invention on their right hand for 8 hours each day for 4 consecutive days. Similarly, during the activity phase, participants in Group B were instructed to wear a control glove on their right hand and the glove of the present invention on their left hand for 8 hours each day for 4 consecutive days. During the pre-stimulation and activity phases, participants in both Groups A and B were instructed to discard their gloves and wear new gloves (for 2 hours each) and were not permitted to use moisturizer.

[0079] Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured in subjects using a transepidermal water loss analyzer. Additionally, skin hydration was measured using a skin moisture analyzer. Measurements (i.e., TEWL and skin hydration) were taken after at least 20 minutes of acclimatization under standard climatic conditions (21±1°C; 50±10% relative humidity). Results are expressed as the average of the TEWL and skin hydration readings.

[0080] The formula for calculating the percentage difference in TEWL is shown below:

[0081]

[0082] in The TEWL measurement results were taken on day 4 of the activity phase, and The TEWL measurement results were taken on the first day of the activity phase.

[0083] The formula for calculating the percentage difference in skin hydration is shown below:

[0084]

[0085] in, The results of skin hydration measurements were taken on day 4 of the activity phase, and The results were obtained from skin hydration measurements taken on day 1 of the activity phase.

[0086] Table 3 shows the mean percentage difference in TEWL and skin hydration in subjects (Group A and Group B) who wore a control glove on one hand and the glove of the present invention on the other hand between Day 1 and Day 4 of the activity phase.

[0087] Table 3 shows the mean percentage difference in TEWL and skin hydration among subjects between day 1 and day 4 of the activity phase.

[0088]

[0089] Note: The symbol "+" indicates an increase in the reading between day 1 and day 4 of the activity phase. The symbol "-" indicates a decrease in the reading between day 1 and day 4 of the activity phase.

[0090] Based on the results obtained in Table 3, it is noteworthy that the subjects wearing the gloves of the present invention exhibited a higher average percentage difference in skin hydration compared to those wearing the control gloves. This indicates that gloves with a coating layer prepared from the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention improve skin hydration in the user's skin.

[0091] Furthermore, based on the results obtained in Table 3, it is noteworthy that the subjects wearing the gloves of the present invention exhibited a lower average percentage difference in TEWL compared to those wearing control gloves. This indicates that gloves with a coating layer prepared from the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention reduce transepidermal water loss from the user's skin.

[0092] In summary, gloves having a coating layer prepared from the hydrogel coating formulation of the present invention can overcome conventional disadvantages by providing desirable swelling properties and sweat-wicking capabilities, which helps to improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss from the user's skin.

[0093] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or inclusion of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0094] Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. The use of the expressions “at least” or “at least one” indicates the use of one or more elements, as they may be used in one of the embodiments to achieve one or more desired objectives or results.

Claims

1. Hydrogel coating formulation containing oats - Dextran, colloidal oats, preservatives, carboxylic acids, initiators, cross-linking agents, pH adjusters, and solvents, wherein the oats The amount of dextran used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of gelled oats used ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of preservative used ranges from 0.01% to 0.2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of carboxylic acid used ranges from 0.1% to 2% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of initiator used ranges from 0.01% to 0.12% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of crosslinking agent used ranges from 0.0005% to 0.02% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, the amount of pH adjuster used ranges from 0.2% to 1% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation, and the amount of solvent used ranges from 95.66% to 99.58% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

2. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the oats - The amount of dextran used ranges from 0.1% to 0.4% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

3. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the amount of gelatinous oats used ranges from 0.1% to 0.4% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

4. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the preservative is selected from sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, calcium sorbate, and mixtures thereof.

5. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the preservative ranges from 0.05% to 0.1% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

6. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from itaconic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alginic acid, and mixtures thereof.

7. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the carboxylic acid ranges from 0.56% to 1.12% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

8. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the initiator is selected from ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, tetramethylethylenediamine, and mixtures thereof.

9. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the initiator is used in an amount ranging from 0.03% to 0.09% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

10. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from N-N'-methylenebisacrylamide, glutaraldehyde, gallic acid, and mixtures thereof.

11. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the crosslinking agent is used in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 0.01% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

12. The hydrogel coating formulation of claim 1, wherein the pH adjuster comprises a first pH adjuster and a second pH adjuster.

13. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 12, wherein the first pH adjuster is selected from citric acid, ascorbic acid, and mixtures thereof.

14. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 12, wherein the amount of the first pH adjuster ranges from 0.1% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

15. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 12, wherein the second pH adjuster is selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof.

16. The hydrogel coating formulation of claim 12, wherein the amount of the second pH adjuster ranges from 0.1% to 0.5% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

17. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the solvent is selected from distilled water, soft water, deionized water, ultrapure water, and mixtures thereof.

18. The hydrogel coating formulation according to claim 1, wherein the amount of solvent ranges from 97.18% to 98.76% of the weight of the hydrogel coating formulation.

19. A glove coated with at least one layer of coating material prepared from the hydrogel coating material formulations according to claims 1-18.

20. A method for preparing a hydrogel coating formulation, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i. While stirring, add the first pH adjuster and oats. - Dextran is added to a first solvent to produce a first mixture, wherein the first mixture is stirred at a temperature in the range of 85°C to 95°C at a speed of 500 rpm to 1000 rpm for 20 to 40 minutes. ii. While stirring, a second pH adjuster is added to the carboxylic acid to produce a second mixture, wherein the second mixture is stirred at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 30°C at a speed of 300 rpm to 500 rpm for 5 to 15 minutes. iii. While stirring, the second mixture obtained from step (ii), the crosslinking agent, and the initiator are added one after another to the first mixture obtained from step (i) to produce a third mixture, wherein the third mixture is stirred at a temperature in the range of 65°C to 75°C at a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm for 160 to 200 minutes. iv. While stirring, the second solvent is added to the third mixture obtained from step (iii) to produce a fourth mixture, wherein the fourth mixture is stirred at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 30°C and a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm for 10 to 20 minutes; and v. While stirring, gelled oats and sodium benzoate are added one after another without a specific order to the fourth mixture obtained from step (iv) to produce a hydrogel coating formulation, wherein the hydrogel coating formulation is stirred at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 30°C at a speed of 200 rpm to 400 rpm for 50 to 70 minutes.

21. A glove coated with at least one layer of a hydrogel coating formulation, said hydrogel coating formulation being prepared by the method according to claim 20.

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