Rubber articles, rubber gloves containing nanoparticles with active agents, and related methods

Abstract

A method for preparing a rubber article by using nano-sized particles includes providing latex from a latex source, mixing the latex with rubber chemicals to produce a compounded latex, and using the compounded latex to prepare a rubber article via an article dipping or molding process. In use, the rubber article is a rubber glove. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure and various embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein in such a way that novel and unique aspects may be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber articles of different types, and the like.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of rubber articles, and more particularly to rubber articles, rubber gloves, and related methods that contain nanoparticles having active agents. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, the healthcare industry, semiconductor industry, food industry, etc. use gloves or articles in various workplaces as a standard precaution to protect users from harmful substances. In practice, the healthcare industry has utilized protective gloves or articles to prevent cross-contamination of pathogens. At the same time, protective gloves or articles are used by electricians to prevent contamination and short circuits due to static electricity and other on-site damage. In addition, food handlers are required to wear gloves or articles to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination and hygiene. These gloves or articles act as a shielding barrier against some dangerous damage and reduce the risk of contamination. As a result, these protective gloves or articles should effectively provide all-around protection.

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

[0004] Furthermore, prospective studies have been conducted that reveal that nanoparticle-infused gloves or articles can effectively target bacteria. A compact molecular structure results in better pore size, providing excellent thermal insulation properties that are redundant from heat from the outside. A smaller pore size rubber matrix provides better chemo drug resistance that protects against chemical permeation. However, conventional articles or gloves lack active nanoparticle substances, and antibacterial technology is usually coated on the surface of the glove and dissipates in a short time.

[0005] As a result, the killing properties of the gloves or articles are counterproductive to antibacterial action, static electricity resistance, heat protection, and chemical agent resistance. In addition, the production of these protective gloves or articles has increased significantly due to the increasing demands in the industry. In most cases, depending on the industry type, the user must actively wear the gloves or articles during the work process. Glove durability refers to the lifespan of the gloves or articles that kill harmful microorganisms. In this context, a typical article or glove generally has a certain period of use and usually lasts for a short period of time. This affects the integrity and overall purpose of the gloves and articles.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional gloves or articles have antimicrobial technology applications that are primarily coated on the surface that degrade or leach out quickly when exposed and / or worn by the user, thus providing a less effective level of protection for the user and increasing the risk of contamination, creating biological hazards for both healthcare workers and patients. Furthermore, conventional articles or gloves have a certain electrostatic resistivity in ohms that may or may not resist static electricity in an electrical component assembly line. Furthermore, use in the food industry is a disposable product where cross contamination from food to consumer or vice versa is possible.

[0007] However, the article or glove of the present invention utilizes tested nanotechnology in their invention. The nanoparticles active substances provide a dense molecular structure compared to the article or glove without the nanoparticles active substances. The article or glove of the present invention has an effective kill rate against microorganisms and also provides excellent thermal insulation properties with the surplus of heat from outside. The nanoparticles together with other components leached into the rubber latex glove or article form an effective component to neutralize bacteria and cross contamination.

[0008] Thus, there remains a need in the art for innovative, novel, and efficient solutions to provide complete and adequate protection against cross-contamination and damage by using latex gloves with nanoparticle active substances impregnated (or suffused). In particular, there remains a need in the art for innovative, novel, cost-effective, and efficient solutions to provide rubber articles, rubber gloves, and their associated methods that contain nanoparticles with active substances. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide rubber articles, rubber gloves, and related methods that contain nanoparticles having an active agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, a method for preparing a rubber article by using nano-sized particles includes providing latex from a latex source, mixing the latex with rubber chemicals to produce a compounded latex, and using the compounded latex to prepare a rubber article via article dipping or molding process. In use, the rubber article is a rubber glove. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure and various embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein in such a way that novel and unique aspects may be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber articles of different types, and the like.

[0011] The embodiments of the present disclosure have several features, no single feature of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the following claims, their more prominent features will now be briefly described. After considering this discussion, and especially after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," one will understand how the features of the present embodiments provide advantages, including rubber articles, rubber gloves, and related methods thereof, that contain nanoparticles that include active agents.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein below, which relate to rubber articles, rubber gloves containing nanoparticles with active agents, and their associated methods. In general, gloves can protect hands from various hazards in the workplace or at home. Such work is often performed in fluid settings, which require not only protection against materials such as water, aqueous solutions of various degrees of alkalinity or acidity, oil, gasoline, or similar fluids, but also the ability to grip, hold tightly, or manipulate objects. For these purposes, gloves should be comfortable, flexible, breathable, and have a gripping surface that allows for a stable grip even when exposed to materials with lubricity that would impair the ability to grip objects tightly.

[0013] In particular, hands come in a variety of sizes and shapes from person to person, and unfortunately, standardized medical gloves do not fit hands properly, which discourages medical professionals from using them due to the potential for failure to perform medical procedures that must be performed accurately.

[0014] Moreover, SARS Covid, Hepatitis B, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and other diseases as well as dangerous chemicals and fertilizers have piqued people's curiosity lately. While exposed to such deadly diseases, medical personnel need to provide medical care such as surgery, and people in industry need protective equipment. As a result, medical personnel and other industries require the use of protective gloves. Unfortunately, traditional gloves do not fit the hands, especially the fingers. As a result, people in industry cannot provide treatment without worry.

[0015] In particular, the novel nanoparticle-infused articles or gloves disclosed herein have improved properties and can remain dispersed in liquids for longer periods of time. In use, when a coating layer is produced on the nanoparticles, the slurry has small particle size and has excellent dispersion ability in the polymer matrix. These rubber articles or gloves with nanoparticle active agents are manufactured with a polymer latex, either natural rubber latex or synthetic latex, with at least one or a combination of nanoparticle active agent chemicals and rubber chemicals such as sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, etc. The polymers used to manufacture the rubber articles or gloves are natural rubber latex and synthetic latex, such as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), but not limited to polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

[0016] There are various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below, which relate to active materials with nano-sized particles leaching into rubber matrices for barrier protection.Furthermore, rubber articles or gloves containing nanoparticle active substances worn by medical personnel in the medical industry, as well as in the electrical industry, food industry, or any other applications.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, rubber articles or gloves with nanoparticle active material are manufactured with a polymer latex, either natural rubber latex or synthetic latex, with nanoparticle active material chemicals and at least one or a combination of rubber chemicals such as sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, etc. In use, the process of manufacturing the product includes latex mixing, article or glove dipping or molding process, post-treatment with or without resurfacing to improve (or enhance) surface morphologies for better handling of the equipment.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the article or glove is made of nanoparticle sized chemicals. During operation, the invention of nanoparticles with active substances on the article or glove results in a dense structure and chemically strengthens the rubber film compared to current articles.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a rubber article or glove having nano-sized particles that provide effective antimicrobial properties helps prevent cross-contamination of bodily fluids that pose a risk of exposure to pathogens. In use, it has an effective kill rate against microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, but not limited to the COVID virus.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nanoparticulate active material showed better durability in kill rate, with inoculum count results maintained at <10 cfu / ml after 0, 5, and 30 minutes of contact with the tested organisms.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or glove having nano-sized particles provides effective static resistance. During operation, the static resistivity resists static electricity in an electrical component assembly line.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or glove with nano-sized particles provides effective heat protection. In use, the dense molecular structure results in better pore size, which gives good thermal insulation properties where external heat is redundant.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or glove with nano-sized particles provides effective chemical resistance. Medical personnel wear the chemical resistant rubber article or glove during surgery, during preparation of chemicals and / or while handling patients undergoing chemotherapy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article or glove manufactured with nanoparticle active agents provides a strong elastic product. In use, they also have a tighter fit and more stretchability, making them more comfortable to wear for longer periods and allowing for improved dexterity.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a rubber article or glove made from a rubber polymer such as natural rubber or a synthetic rubber such as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). In use, the rubber article or glove made from a rubber polymer such as natural rubber or a synthetic rubber such as, but not limited to, polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc. lends itself to making various methods for the manufacture of the article or glove.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing a rubber article by using nano-sized particles includes providing latex from a latex source, mixing the latex with a rubber chemical to produce a compounded latex, and using the compounded latex to prepare a rubber article through an article dipping or molding process. In use, the rubber article is a rubber glove. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure and various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in such a way that novel and unique aspects can be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber articles of different types, etc.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latex source is natural rubber latex. In use, the latex source may be synthetic latex.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemical includes a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active substance. In use, the method further includes a step of post-treating the rubber article, with or without surface post-treatment to improve the surface morphology for better handling of the instrument. Also, the method further includes a step of using a plurality of nano-sized particles having an active substance on the rubber article to obtain a dense structure of the rubber matrix.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes injecting the nanoparticle active substance into a rubber matrix containing one or at least one or a combination of a plurality of components such as alkanolamine, amino acid, surfactant, plant-based derivatives in a colloidal base, micelles imparting antibacterial properties. In use, the rubber chemical is selected from the group consisting of at least one or a combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curable chemical, crosslinker (or cross-linking agent / crossliner), antioxidant, colorant, etc.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of producing a rubber article having a nanoparticle active material that provides effective static electricity resistance. In use, the method further comprises the step of producing a rubber article having a nanoparticle active material that provides effective thermal protection. Also, the method further comprises the step of producing a rubber article having a nanoparticle active material that provides effective chemical agent resistance. Furthermore, the method further comprises the step of producing a rubber article having a nanoparticle active material by using a polymer including natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex, such as but not limited to nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and the like.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber article prepared by using the nano-sized particles includes latex from a latex source and a compounded latex produced by mixing the latex with rubber chemicals. In use, the rubber article is prepared by using the compounded latex through an article dipping or molding process. In essence, the rubber article is a rubber glove. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure and various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein in such a way that novel and unique aspects may be implemented for rubber gloves, one or more rubber articles of different types, etc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latex source is natural rubber latex. In use, the latex source may be synthetic latex.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemicals include a plurality of nano-sized particles of actives. Also, the rubber article is prepared via a step of post-treating the rubber article with or without surface retreatment to enhance the surface morphology for better handling of the instrument. Furthermore, as disclosed above, the rubber article is prepared via a step of obtaining a dense structure of the rubber matrix using a plurality of nano-sized particles with actives on the rubber article. Furthermore, the rubber article is further prepared via a step of injecting the nanoparticle actives into a rubber matrix containing one or at least one or a combination of a plurality of ingredients such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives in colloidal bases, micelles that impart antibacterial properties, etc.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber chemicals are selected from the group comprising at least one or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing chemicals, crosslinkers, antioxidants, colorants, etc. Also, the rubber article is manufactured in such a manner that the nanoparticle active material provides effective static resistance.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, rubber articles are manufactured with nanoparticle active materials to provide effective thermal protection.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, rubber articles are manufactured with nanoparticle active materials to provide effective chemical agent resistance.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, rubber articles are manufactured with nanoparticle active materials by using polymers including natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latexes such as, but not limited to, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] <Best Mode Description> Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in various types of rubber articles, such as, for example, but not limited to, rubber gloves. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] shows a conceptual level flow diagram for preparing rubber articles by using nano-sized particles.

[0038] [Figure 2] shows a conceptual level illustration of a rubber article or glove infused with nanoparticle active material.

[0039] [Figure 3] illustrates a rubber article or glove comprising nanoparticulate active agents according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 4A] and [Figure 4B] show comparative examples of rubber articles or gloves with and without nanoparticle active agent infused into the matrix. Specifically, the rubber matrix in [Figure 4A] shows that the rubber matrix formation is denser compared to the rubber matrix in [Figure 4B].

[0041] As disclosed herein, the inventive embodiments of nanoparticulate active agents in the current article or glove improve the properties of the article or glove with respect to film strength.

[0042] [Figure 5] is a graph showing the comparison of the tensile properties of gloves between an article without nanoparticle active substance (negative control) and an article containing nanoparticle active substance (by the combination of Method 1 and Method 2). As shown therein, Graph 1 shows that a rubber article or glove having a nanoparticle active substance injected into the rubber matrix (via Method 1 and Method 2) provides a better tensile strength with an improvement of about 20% or more compared to a rubber article or glove without a nanoparticle active substance injected into the rubber matrix (negative control). In use, both the articles or gloves of Method 1 and Method 2 provide tensile strengths of 21.6 MPa and 12.9 MPa respectively against a negative control of 10.1 MPa. The film shows an improvement in elongation, and both the articles or gloves of Method 1 and Method 2 provide 641% and 598.1% respectively compared to an elongation of 520% of the negative control. Therefore, it can be stated that the article or glove of the present invention having nanoparticles with an active substance provides a denser molecular structure compared to an article or glove without a nanoparticle active substance.

[0043] [Figure 6A] shows an image of a rubber product or glove without nanoparticle active substance, the negative control, and [Figure 6B] shows an image of a rubber product or glove having a nanoparticle active substance via Method 1 or Method 2.

[0044] In use, [Figure 6A] and [Figure 6B] show a comparison of the forms of rubber articles or gloves without nanoparticle active substance (negative control) and with nanoparticle active substance (by Method 1 and Method 2). Also, the surface of the rubber article or glove in [Figure 6A] shows a non-uniform rubber surface morphology with gaps between the bonds, and the surface of the rubber article or glove in [Figure 6B] shows that the nanoparticle active substance is embedded on the rubber matrix to form a dense or strong bond.

[0045] [Figure 7] illustrates the particle size of nanoparticles having an active substance embedded in the rubber matrix. As shown therein, [Figure 7] shows a rubber article or glove produced from Method 1 or Method 2 containing nanoparticles having an active substance with a particle size in the range of 60 - 80 nm.

[0046] In addition, the invention of rubber article or glove containing nanoparticle actives infused into rubber matrix containing one or at least one or combination of components such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives in colloidal base, micelles, etc., imparted antibacterial properties. The product disclosed herein has effective kill rates against microorganisms such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc., not limited to COVID virus. The nanoparticle actives showed better persistence of kill rates, with inoculum count results maintained at <10 cfu / mL after 0, 5, 15, and 30 minutes of contact with the tested organisms. According to the test report shown in the table below, rubber article or glove containing nanoparticles infused into rubber matrix can retain antibacterial properties upon 1-2 washes under running water.

[0047] <Analysis results> TIFF2025515993000002.tif70169

[0048] <Analysis results> TIFF2025515993000003.tif62169

[0049] As mentioned above, the tight molecular structure results in better and tighter pore size, which provides good static resistivity, thermal insulation properties so that external heat is not required, and protection from chemical penetration.

[0050] Conditional language used herein, such as "can," "could," "might," "may," "eg," and the like, is intended to generally convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, but not other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or understood within the context in which it is used. Thus, such conditional language does not generally imply that features, elements, and / or steps are necessarily required in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic that determines, with or without author input, whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in or should be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, are used synonymously and inclusively and without excluding additional elements, features, acts, operations, etc. Also, the term "or" is used in an inclusive sense (not an exclusive sense), e.g., when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0051] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described herein, and that certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of parts within said embodiments without departing from the underlying spirit or principles of the invention as set forth in the claims appended hereto. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all equivalents which fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for preparing a rubber article by using nano-sized particles, the method comprising: providing latex from a latex source; mixing the latex with rubber chemicals to produce a compounded latex; and preparing the rubber article using the compounded latex via an article dipping or molding process.

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

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

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the source of latex is synthetic latex.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the rubber chemicals include a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active material.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of post-treating the rubber article with or without resurfacing to improve surface morphology for better handling of instruments.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising using the plurality of nano-sized particles having the active substance on the rubber article to obtain a dense structure of the rubber matrix.

8. 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of infusing the nanoparticle active material into a rubber matrix containing one or at least one or a combination of a number of ingredients such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives in colloidal bases, micelles that impart antimicrobial properties.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the rubber chemicals are selected from the group comprising at least one or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing chemicals, crosslinkers, antioxidants, colorants, and the like.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises manufacturing said rubber article with a nanoparticle active material that provides effective static resistance.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises manufacturing the rubber article with a nanoparticle active material that provides effective thermal protection.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises manufacturing said rubber article with a nanoparticle active material that provides effective chemical agent resistance.

13. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of manufacturing the rubber article with nanoparticle active material by using polymers including natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex such as, but not limited to, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and the like.

14. A rubber article prepared by using nano-sized particles, said rubber article comprising: latex from a latex source; a compounded latex produced by mixing the latex with rubber chemicals; A rubber article, characterized in that said rubber article is manufactured through an article dipping or molding process by using said compounded latex.

15. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article is a rubber glove.

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

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

18. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber chemicals comprise a plurality of nano-sized particles of an active material.

19. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein said rubber article is prepared via a step of post-treating said rubber article with or without a surface post-treatment to enhance surface morphology for better handling of instruments.

20. 20. The rubber article of claim 18, wherein said rubber article is prepared via a step of using said plurality of nano-sized particles having said active substance on said rubber article to obtain a dense structure of the rubber matrix.

21. 21. The rubber article of claim 20, wherein said rubber article is further prepared via a step of infusing nanoparticle actives into a rubber matrix containing one or at least one or a combination of a number of ingredients such as alkanolamines, amino acids, surfactants, plant-based derivatives in colloidal bases, micelles that impart antimicrobial properties.

22. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber chemicals are selected from the group comprising at least one or combination of chemicals including sulfur, zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, any other curing chemicals, crosslinkers, antioxidants, colorants, and the like.

23. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein said rubber article is manufactured in such a way that said nanoparticle active material provides effective static resistance.

24. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein said rubber article is manufactured in such a way that said nanoparticle active material provides effective thermal protection.

25. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein said rubber article is manufactured in such a way that said nanoparticle active material provides effective chemical agent resistance.

26. 15. The rubber article of claim 14, wherein the rubber article is manufactured with nanoparticle active materials by using polymers including natural rubber latex and / or synthetic latex such as, but not limited to, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and the like.

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