Hypoallergenic biomass gloves and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a method for producing biomass gloves that significantly reduces the protein extract content and reduces the risk of causing allergic reactions. [Solution] The method for manufacturing biomass gloves of the present invention includes the steps of cleaning and heating a mold, immersing the mold in a coagulant solution, and performing a pre-vulcanization treatment. The pre-vulcanization treatment involves the use of alkaline protease, ultraviolet irradiation, and blending of a cellulose-derived polyol. The latex-coated mold is then dried and washed, vulcanized with specific vulcanizing agents and accelerators, washed with chlorine, and then immersed in polyurethane for a second time to form a hypoallergenic inner layer. The manufactured gloves have a multi-layer structure including first, second, and third layers. The first layer includes nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, isoprene rubber, and a polysaccharide biomass material. The second layer includes a natural rubber layer or other synthetic rubber and a polysaccharide biomass material. The third layer includes a polyurethane layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of disposable gloves, particularly to a method for manufacturing biomass gloves with a low protein extraction content and capable of reducing the risk of causing allergic reactions in users.

Background Art

[0002] Disposable gloves are used in a wide range of fields such as medical, food, and chemistry, and are used to protect against harmful substances, and many are made of rubber. However, natural rubber is related to type I allergic reactions caused by water-soluble proteins present in latex. In addition, accelerators and other chemicals used in the vulcanization of natural rubber may cause type IV chemical allergies.

[0003] Nitrile rubber gloves (nitrile butadiene rubber glove, hereinafter referred to as NBR gloves) have attracted attention because of their excellent oil resistance, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance, but they are inferior in elasticity compared to natural rubber latex gloves.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for gloves that have the elasticity of natural rubber, a low protein extraction content, and reduced allergenicity, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing biomass gloves and biomass gloves manufactured by the manufacturing method. The biomass gloves can significantly reduce the protein extraction content and reduce the risk of causing allergic reactions in users. The pre-vulcanization process includes the use of a specific protease, ultraviolet irradiation, and the blending of a specific polyol. Thereby, biomass gloves having high safety and high performance can be manufactured.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing biomass gloves that have a significantly reduced protein extract content, a reduced risk of causing allergic reactions, and excellent elasticity. The method for producing biomass gloves improves the safety and performance of the gloves by combining novel processes and novel materials.

[0007] In the manufacturing process, the molds are washed in a washing tank and heated in an oven to remove moisture. Then, the molds are immersed in a coagulant solution in a coagulant immersion tank, and the coagulant is heated in an oven to cause the coagulant to adhere to the molds. The coagulant is used to ensure that the latex solidifies and adheres properly afterward.

[0008] Then, the mold is immersed in a latex solution that has already undergone pre-vulcanization. In the pre-vulcanization process, 0.1% to 2.0% alkaline protease is added to raise the pH to 9.5 to 10.5, and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 12 to 48 hours. In addition, a spectrometry device with a wavelength of 240 to 270 nm and an intensity of 1.0 to 15.0 mW / cm² is applied to the latex solution. 2 The latex is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp for 5 seconds to 120 minutes. In addition, polyols are added to the latex solution so that they make up 10-30% of the total solid content of the latex solution, and they react with the acid groups in the latex to form a network structure.

[0009] After immersing the mold in the latex solution for a certain period of time, the latex-coated mold is heated in a pre-drying oven to remove moisture, washed with water in a pre-washing tank for 60-300 seconds, and dried in a drying oven. Then, the latex-coated mold is vulcanized at 100-120°C for 18-25 minutes. The latex mixture contains a vulcanizing agent and an accelerator. The vulcanizing agent and accelerator contain inorganic oxides, sulfur, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, and zinc diethyldithiocarbamate. The concentration of the inorganic oxides is 0.6-2 phr. The concentration of sulfur is 0.6-2 phr. The concentration of zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate is 0.2-1 phr. The concentration of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is 0.2-1 phr.

[0010] After vulcanization, the gloves are washed in a chlorine washing tank with 100-1000 ppm of chlorine for 60-300 seconds, followed by washing with water to neutralize any remaining chlorine. Then, the gloves are washed again in a post-washing tank with water for 60-300 seconds. After that, the gloves are immersed in a secondary material immersion tank containing 1-10% polyurethane (PU) polymer to form an inner layer of approximately 0.01 mm or more in thickness. Finally, the gloves are dried and demolded to produce biomass gloves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This invention provides a method for manufacturing nitrile rubber gloves that are highly elastic, low-cost, high-quality, and hypoallergenic. Furthermore, the gloves of this invention solve the problems of conventional methods, can be applied to a wide range of fields, and achieve high safety and high performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart of the manufacturing process for the biomass gloves of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the cleaning process for the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the heating process of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the coagulant immersion process of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the heating process of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing how to immerse the mold of the present invention in a latex solution. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the preliminary vulcanization process of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the biomass gloves of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] This invention relates to a method for producing biomass gloves that significantly reduces the protein extraction content and minimizes the risk of causing allergic reactions. Conventional nitrile rubber gloves are used in a wide range of fields such as medicine, food, and chemistry, and have excellent oil resistance, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance. However, they have the drawbacks of causing allergies in users due to residual proteins and chemicals in the manufacturing process, and also have poor elasticity.

[0014] In this invention, "protein extraction content" refers to the amount of protein extracted from the gloves. Extractable proteins are proteins that leach out when the gloves come into contact with an aqueous solution, or proteins that leach out from the gloves under normal circumstances. When these proteins come into contact with the user's skin, they can cause allergic reactions in people with natural rubber latex protein allergies. The hypoallergenic nitrile rubber biomass gloves of this invention minimize the protein extraction content through a special manufacturing method. The protein extraction content is reduced by a pre-vulcanization treatment including the use of alkaline protease and ultraviolet irradiation (described in detail in a later paragraph). According to this process, the allergenicity of the gloves can be reduced by decomposing and removing extractable proteins. The effect of the treatment on reducing the protein extraction content meets rigorous tests, such as the ASTM D5712 standard. As a result, the protein extraction content of the gloves of this invention is significantly reduced, and the final product gloves are also hypoallergenic. Reducing the protein extraction content directly affects the hypoallergenicity of the gloves. Therefore, by reducing extractable proteins, the safety of the gloves, especially in medical and food environments, can be ensured.

[0015] The manufacturing method of the present invention improves the safety and performance of gloves by combining specific processes and materials. The pre-vulcanization process, a feature of the present invention, includes the use of alkaline protease, ultraviolet irradiation, and polyols. Furthermore, by integrating the advantages of synthetic and natural rubber through a multilayer structure, the mechanical performance of the gloves can be improved and hypoallergenic properties can be achieved.

[0016] In addition, by secondary immersion in polyurethane, an inner layer that comes into contact with the user's skin is formed, reducing the risk of type IV chemical allergy caused by accelerators and other chemicals used in the vulcanization process. The inner layer acts as a barrier layer, improving the comfort and safety of users with sensitive skin when using gloves.

[0017] According to the method of the present invention, the allergy is reduced and the mechanical performance of the glove is improved. By reacting with the acid groups in the polyol and latex to form a network structure, the tensile strength and elongation of the product are improved. The glove is strengthened by performing multiple immersions, and it can be used for severe applications.

[0018] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of the biomass glove of the present invention. In the manufacturing process, first, a mold is prepared and the latex is pre-vulcanized. The mold is preferably one in which the surface of the manufactured biomass glove is smooth and defect-free, and the latex can adhere to the mold uniformly in the manufacturing process. The mold preparation process includes a process of cleaning the mold (process S110) and a process of heating the mold to remove moisture (process S110). Before immersing the mold in the coagulant and latex solution, the mold is cleaned to remove contaminants that affect the quality of the glove. In this embodiment shown in Figure 2, the process of cleaning the mold includes the following processes.

[0019] S111 (first water wash) First, wash the mold with water to remove particles and surface dust. S112 (washing with detergent) Then, wash the mold with a detergent solution to remove grease, oil stains, and other organic residues. According to the above process, contaminants that affect the adhesion of latex present on the surface of the mold can be removed. S113 (washing with a brush) Manually or mechanically wash the mold using a brush to remove all residues, especially those in areas that are difficult to wash only with water. S114 (water wash) After washing with a brush, wash the mold with water to remove the remaining detergent and residues. S115 (initial drying): Perform initial drying by naturally drying the cleaned mold in air or drying it in an environment of forced ventilation.

[0020] After cleaning and drying the mold, heat it to remove residual moisture (step S120). According to the step S120, subsequent defects in the latex coating layer can be prevented, and the latex can adhere well to the mold. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating process includes the following steps.

[0021] S121 (preheating): Put the mold into an oven and preheat it to a specific temperature to evaporate all moisture. The preheating temperature and time can be adjusted to achieve the effect.

[0022] S122 (continuous heating): The continuous heating temperature is set to 50°C to 100°C according to the requirements of the manufacturing process. Heat the mold for a certain period of time to completely dry it.

[0023] S123 (cooling): After heating, cool the mold slightly before performing the next step. Cooling stabilizes the temperature of the mold and ensures the uniformity of the latex coating layer in the subsequent process.

[0024] After preparing the mold, perform the step of immersing it in a coagulant. According to the coagulant immersion step, in the subsequent process, a latex film is formed and adhered to the cleaned and heated mold. The coagulant immersion step includes the step of immersing the mold in a coagulant solution (step S130) and the step of heating the mold in an oven for the coagulant (step S140).

[0025] In step S130, the latex applied in the subsequent process is coagulated on the mold to uniformly form a latex film that becomes a glove. As shown in FIG. 4, the coagulant immersion step includes the following steps.

[0026] S131 (preparation of coagulant solution): The coagulant solution contains calcium nitrate dissolved in water or an alcohol solution. By controlling the concentration of calcium nitrate, the latex can be coagulated to form a uniform thin film. In order to improve the wettability of the mold and the uniformity of the coating layer, the coagulant solution may contain additives such as surfactants or wetting agents.

[0027] The S132 (immersion) mold is immersed in a coagulant solution. Those skilled in the art can control the immersion time to ensure uniform application of the coagulant. Generally, the mold immersion time ranges from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the thickness of the coagulant layer and process parameters.

[0028] To form a uniform coating layer on the surface of the S133 (lifting) mold, the mold is slowly lifted from the solidifying agent solution at a constant speed. The lifting speed can be adjusted according to the thickness of the solidifying agent layer, and a slower lifting speed allows for the formation of a thicker coating layer.

[0029] After immersion in S134 (initial drying), the mold is briefly subjected to initial drying to dry the coagulant layer, and then the process proceeds to the next step. Initial drying is performed by natural drying with air or by drying in a forced-ventilation environment.

[0030] After step S130, the mold is heated in a solidifying oven to activate the solidifying agent and allow the latex to adhere to the surface in the subsequent step. As shown in Figure 5, the heating step includes the following steps.

[0031] S141 (Preheating): Place the mold in the coagulant oven and preheat it to a specific temperature. The preheating process dries and activates the coagulant layer in preparation for the subsequent latex immersion process.

[0032] S142 (Continuous Heating): The temperature inside the oven for the coagulant is controlled to a specific temperature, generally 50°C to 100°C, to dry and activate the coagulant. The heating time is several minutes to 1 hour, depending on the requirements of the process and the thickness of the coagulant layer. During the heating process, the temperature and time are monitored and adjusted to uniformly activate the coagulant. This ensures that the latex adheres well to the mold in the next step.

[0033] S143 (Cooling) After heating for a certain period of time, in some examples, the mold is slightly cooled before the latex immersion process is carried out. Cooling stabilizes the coagulant layer and ensures uniformity of the latex film in subsequent processes.

[0034] Then, processes such as latex immersion (step S160) and pre-drying (step S170) are carried out. In this embodiment, it is necessary to repeat steps S160 to S170 twice to form the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 of the biomass glove 100 shown in Figure 8. Step S160 forms a uniform latex layer on the mold and improves the mechanical performance of the glove. This will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The process of immersing the mold in the latex solution includes the following steps.

[0035] S161 (Preparation of latex solution): In the first step S160, the latex solution is prepared by mixing nitrile rubber latex, polysaccharide biomass material, and various additives to obtain the desired properties. In other embodiments, the latex solution includes other synthetic rubbers (e.g., chloroprene rubber and isoprene rubber) and polysaccharide biomass material. In the second step S160, the latex solution is prepared by mixing natural rubber latex and various additives to obtain the desired properties. To improve the stability and uniformity of the latex, the additives may include stabilizers, surfactants, and other compounds. Furthermore, sufficient homogenization is performed to maintain consistency in the composition of the latex solution.

[0036] S162 (Immersion): A mold coated with a coagulant and heated is immersed in a latex solution. The immersion time is controlled to achieve a specific latex layer thickness; generally, the mold immersion time is several seconds to several minutes.

[0037] S163 (Lifting): Lift the mold from the latex solution. The lifting speed affects the thickness and uniformity of the latex layer, so it is necessary to control the mold lifting speed.

[0038] Then, step S170 is performed. In one embodiment, step S170 involves heating the latex-coated mold in a pre-drying oven to remove moisture. In this step, the mold is placed in a pre-drying oven set to a temperature that evaporates moisture without decomposing the latex layer, for example, 50°C to 80°C. The drying time is usually 5 to 30 minutes and is determined according to the thickness of the latex layer and the requirements of the process. After completing step S170, a second step S160 is performed. The latex solution used in the second step S160 contains natural rubber latex as its main component. It should be noted that the latex solution used in either the first or second step S160 has undergone a pre-vulcanization process (step S150). Since natural rubber contains a lot of protein, the protein must be removed in step S150. This will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Step S150, which is the pre-vulcanization process, includes the following steps.

[0039] S151 (Addition of Alkaline Protease) The alkaline protease addition step is performed before immersing the mold in the latex solution, and alkaline protease is added to the latex solution at a weight percentage concentration of 0.1% to 2.0%. The protease decomposes proteins in the latex, reducing the allergenicity of the gloves. Furthermore, to optimize the activity of the alkaline protease, the pH value of the latex solution can be adjusted to, for example, 9.5 to 10.5. Within this pH range, the protease can effectively decompose proteins during the pre-vulcanization process. The latex solution with added protease is then stirred at room temperature for 12 to 48 hours. Such prolonged stirring allows the protease to sufficiently interact with the proteins, reducing the protein content in the final product.

[0040] For S152 (ultraviolet irradiation), ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the latex-coated type using an ultraviolet lamp with a wavelength of 240-270 nm. This specific wavelength can decompose proteins and other organic compounds in the latex. The intensity of the ultraviolet irradiation is 1.0-15.0 mW / cm². 2The irradiation time ranges from 5 seconds to 120 minutes and is determined according to the degree of protein reduction and other process parameters. In other examples, the entire latex solution is irradiated with ultraviolet light before immersing the mold in the latex solution.

[0041] S153 (Polyol Formulation) The polyol formulation step is performed before immersing the mold in the latex solution, and the polyol is incorporated into the latex solution at a concentration of 10-30% of the total solids in the latex solution. The polyol reacts with the acid groups in the latex to form a network structure that improves the mechanical performance of the gloves. In one example, the polyol chemically reacts with the carboxylic acid groups in the latex to produce ester bonds and crosslink the latex molecules. The crosslinked structure forms a network structure in the latex, improving tensile strength, elasticity, and resistance to dissolution of water-soluble proteins. In this example, the polyol is derived from cellulose material.

[0042] The following explanation will be given with reference to Figure 1. After the latex immersion, pre-vulcanization, and pre-drying processes are completed, a pre-wash (step S180) is performed. In the pre-wash process, the mold is washed in a pre-wash tank to remove water-soluble proteins and other impurities. In step S180, the mold is immersed in the washing solution in the pre-wash tank. Generally, the washing solution is water, but in some cases other reagents, such as surfactants or neutral detergents, may be added to improve the effect of removing impurities. The mold is washed in the pre-wash tank for 60 to 300 seconds. The specific washing time is determined according to the impurity content and the requirements of the manufacturing process. In addition, the washing solution is lightly stirred to increase the efficiency of removing proteins and impurities and to clean the surface of the latex-coated mold. In step S180, the temperature of the washing solution is preferably 20°C to 40°C in order to increase the solubility of proteins and other contaminants and make them easier to remove.

[0043] After completing pre-drying and pre-washing processes, a vulcanization process (process S190) is performed. In the vulcanization process, the latex-coated mold is heated in the presence of a vulcanizing agent and accelerator to form crosslinks between rubber molecules, thereby improving the elasticity, strength, and durability of the gloves. In process S190, the latex-coated mold is placed in a vulcanizing oven controlled to a temperature that does not decompose the latex or other materials while the vulcanization process is being carried out, for example, 100°C to 120°C. In this embodiment, the temperature is usually 100°C to 120°C, and the heating time is 18 to 25 minutes. However, those skilled in the art can adjust the heating time according to the thickness of the latex layer, the composition of the latex mixture, and other process parameters.

[0044] In the vulcanization process, specific vulcanizing agents and accelerators are added to the latex to promote crosslinking of rubber molecules. The vulcanizing agents and accelerators include the following compounds.

[0045] [Inorganic oxides] In this embodiment, the concentration of the inorganic oxide is 0.6 to 2 phr. The inorganic oxide is used to promote crosslinking and improve the stability and mechanical properties of the rubber.

[0046] [sulfur] Sulfur is a vulcanizing agent. In this embodiment, the sulfur concentration is 0.4 to 2 phr. Sulfur is used to improve the elasticity and durability of the gloves by forming crosslinks between rubber molecules.

[0047] [Zinc Dibutyldithiocarbamate] Zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate is a secondary accelerator. In this example, the concentration of zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate is 0.2 to 1 phr. Zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate is used to accelerate the vulcanization process, shorten the time required for crosslinking, and improve process efficiency.

[0048] [Zinc diethyldithiocarbamate] Zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is another secondary accelerator. In this example, the concentration of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is 0.2 to 1 phr. Similar to zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is used to accelerate the vulcanization process and crosslink in the latex matrix.

[0049] Before the mold immersion step (step S160), the vulcanizing agent and accelerator are mixed into the latex solution to disperse the compounds in the latex matrix and equalize the degree of vulcanization of each part of the glove.

[0050] The explanation will be given with reference to Figure 1. Chlorine treatment (step S210) and washing (step S220) after vulcanization remove residual proteins, chemicals, and other contaminants after vulcanization, reducing the risk of causing allergic reactions and ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the final product. In step S210, which is a chlorine washing step, residual proteins and other contaminants on the surface of the gloves are removed. Chlorine treatment denatures proteins, and since the denatured proteins are insoluble in latex, they can be easily removed, thus reducing the allergenicity of the gloves. In this embodiment, chlorine is dissolved in water to produce a chlorine solution of 100 to 1000 ppm. At this concentration of chlorine solution, proteins are denatured without damaging the latex material.

[0051] In step S210, the vulcanized gloves are immersed in a chlorine solution along with the mold. The immersion time for the gloves is sufficient for the treatment to be completed, and is generally 60 to 300 seconds. During the immersion process, the chlorine solution is gently stirred to ensure that the surface of the gloves comes into even contact with the chlorine.

[0052] After immersing the gloves in a chlorine solution, perform step S220. In step S220, rinse the gloves with water to neutralize any remaining chlorine and remove proteins and other contaminants dissolved in the chlorine solution. In the above step, rinse the gloves with water to wash off the chlorine solution. Multiple rinses with water may be performed to remove chlorine and other residues. If necessary, a neutralizing agent, such as sodium thiosulfate, may be added to the water to completely neutralize any remaining chlorine.

[0053] Subsequently, process S230 is performed. In the post-washing tank, any remaining soluble contaminants are washed away to ensure the cleanliness of the final product gloves, reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and remove any remaining chemicals and proteins from the gloves. The post-washing tank contains water at room temperature or 20°C to 40°C to improve the solubility of any remaining contaminants. During the washing process, the gloves are immersed in the washing solution for 60 to 300 seconds while the washing solution is gently agitated to enhance the efficiency of contaminant removal and thoroughly clean the surface of the gloves.

[0054] Next, the secondary immersion process, step S240, is performed. In the secondary immersion process, polyurethane is applied to the back surface of the biomass glove to form a smooth, non-irritating barrier layer, reducing the risk of type IV chemical allergies and improving the overall user experience. The polyurethane solution is prepared by dissolving or dispersing polyurethane polymer material in a suitable solvent or aqueous medium. To achieve the properties of the inner coating layer, the polyurethane solution is prepared so that the weight percentage concentration of polyurethane in the polyurethane solution is 1% to 10%. At this concentration, the coating layer adheres uniformly and well to the latex surface.

[0055] In the secondary immersion step, the molded gloves are immersed in a polyurethane solution. The immersion time is controlled to form a thin polyurethane layer on the back of the gloves. Generally, the immersion time for the mold ranges from a few seconds to a few minutes, but is determined by the thickness of the coating layer. The mold is slowly lifted from the polyurethane solution at a constant speed. The lifting speed affects the thickness and uniformity of the polyurethane layer, and a slower lifting speed allows for the formation of a thicker coating layer.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the polyurethane inner layer is typically 0.01 to 0.04 mm. This thickness allows for the formation of a barrier layer against allergens and irritants without affecting the flexibility and feel of the glove.

[0057] Subsequently, a drying process (step S250) and a mold release process (step S260) are carried out. According to these steps, the gloves are completely dried and can be easily removed from the mold without affecting the integrity and quality of the gloves. In step S250, any solvent or moisture remaining from the secondary immersion process is removed. In this step, the gloves may be placed in a drying oven set to a temperature that does not damage the latex or polyurethane layer, for example, 50°C to 70°C, while evaporating any remaining moisture or solvent, or they may be dried by forced ventilation. Depending on the characteristics of the gloves and the thickness of the layers, the drying time is usually 20 to 60 minutes. With this drying time, the gloves can be vulcanized while being thoroughly dried.

[0058] To ensure uniform drying of all gloves, it is necessary to ensure air circulation within the drying oven. This prevents localized overheating or under-drying, thus ensuring the quality and performance of the gloves. During the drying process, temperature and time are monitored to maintain quality, and any deviations are corrected immediately.

[0059] In process S260, the dried gloves are carefully removed from the mold. If done manually, the worker carefully peels the gloves from the mold, but precise handling is required to avoid tearing or stretching the gloves. If done automatically, automated machinery can be used to remove the gloves from the mold, improving efficiency and consistency and reducing the risk of damage.

[0060] In some cases, a small amount of release agent or lubricant may be used to facilitate the demolding process. This can reduce the likelihood of the gloves sticking to the mold or tearing. Mechanical equipment such as an air jet or robotic finger may be used to remove the gloves from the mold. Using such equipment allows the edges of the gloves to be gently lifted, making them easier to peel off. After demolding, the gloves are inspected for defects or damage. The inspection includes checking for uniformity of thickness, the presence of tears or holes, and overall quality. Defective gloves are detected and removed from the production line, and the remaining gloves are sorted and packaged.

[0061] Samples are taken from each batch of gloves and tested to ensure they meet specified standards for tensile strength, elongation, and hypoallergenicity. This ensures that the gloves meet the required performance. The gloves are then packaged and shipped according to industry standards, and proper packaging maintains the quality and hygiene of the gloves until they reach the user.

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the biomass glove of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the biomass glove 100 has a multilayer structure to improve mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and hypoallergenicity. The composition, function, and thickness of each layer of the biomass glove 100 will be described in detail below.

[0063] In this embodiment, the multilayer structure of the biomass glove 100 has a first layer 110, a second layer 120, and a third layer 130. The first layer 110 mainly consists of nitrile rubber and polysaccharide biomass material. Nitrile rubber has excellent oil resistance, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance. In addition to the polysaccharide biomass material, the first layer 110 can achieve specific performance by mixing in other synthetic rubbers, such as chloroprene rubber and isoprene rubber. The first layer 110 is the main component of the biomass glove 100 and provides the gloves with the required strength, durability, and chemical resistance. By using nitrile rubber or other synthetic rubber, the biomass glove 100 can withstand exposure to harsh environments and chemicals and be used in industrial, medical, and other fields.

[0064] The second layer 120 is primarily made of natural rubber. Natural rubber possesses excellent elasticity, tensile strength, and comfort, improving the overall flexibility and adhesion of the biomass glove 100. The second layer 120 provides further strength and elasticity to the glove, improving wearer comfort and adhesion. The use of a natural rubber layer improves the feel and makes the glove more suitable for precise work.

[0065] In other embodiments, the second layer 120 consists of other synthetic rubber and polysaccharide biomass materials. Synthetic rubber, such as nitrile rubber or chloroprene rubber, has excellent oil resistance, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance, allowing the gloves to be used in harsh industrial environments and chemical applications. Adding polysaccharide biomass materials (e.g., cellulose or starch) enhances the environmental friendliness of the gloves, resulting in a highly sustainable product. The biomass materials are biodegradable, reducing the carbon footprint of the product. Combining synthetic rubber and polysaccharide biomass materials improves the mechanical performance of the gloves. Polysaccharides improve the strength and durability of the synthetic rubber layer as fillers or enhancers. This allows for the production of durable, lightweight, comfortable gloves suitable for long-term wear. Furthermore, combining synthetic rubber and polysaccharide biomass materials reduces the protein extract content, lowering the risk of allergic reactions. As a result, the manufactured gloves can be used by users who are allergic to the proteins in natural rubber and can be applied to a wide range of fields, including medical, food, and laboratory applications.

[0066] The second layer 120, consisting of a combination of natural or synthetic rubber and polysaccharide biomass material, provides the necessary strength, elasticity, and comfort while simultaneously meeting requirements such as chemical resistance, sustainability, and hypoallergenicity, thereby improving the performance of the gloves. The biomass gloves 100, possessing these various functions, are suitable for a wide range of applications and improve performance and user satisfaction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the third layer 130 is mainly made of polyurethane. Polyurethane is hypoallergenic and can form a smooth, non-irritating back surface. The function of the third layer is to reduce the risk of causing type IV chemical allergies as a hypoallergenic barrier layer. The third layer 130 provides a smooth back surface that can be used comfortably even by users with sensitive skin, and also allows the biomass gloves 100 to be easily put on and taken off. The third layer 130 is formed in the secondary immersion process (process S240).

[0068] In this embodiment, the thickness of the first layer 110 is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm. Within this range, the biomass glove 100 can maintain flexibility while possessing sufficient strength and chemical resistance. The thickness of the second layer 120 is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm. The second layer 120 increases the overall thickness of the glove, improving elasticity and comfort. The thickness of the third layer 130 is 0.01 mm to 0.04 mm. Within this range, flexibility and comfort can be maintained while providing a hypoallergenic barrier layer. The total thickness of the three-layer glove is 0.03 mm to 0.44 mm. The biomass glove 100 of this embodiment, through its multilayer structure, meets the requirements for strength, flexibility, and hypoallergenicity and can be applied to a variety of applications.

[0069] The biomass gloves manufactured by the above process possess excellent performance and can be applied to a variety of demanding applications. Biomass gloves to which renewable and biodegradable materials (e.g., polysaccharide biomass materials) are added have a biomass content of 3% to 40%, are environmentally friendly and sustainable, and can meet the environmental awareness of the market.

[0070] The tensile strength of the gloves is 14-40 MPa. This gives the gloves the mechanical strength to withstand demanding applications. Gloves with this tensile strength can meet the high stress and high elongation requirements in industrial, medical, and laboratory settings. Improving the tensile strength increases the durability of the gloves, reduces the frequency of glove replacement, and leads to cost benefits.

[0071] Biomass gloves have an elongation at break of 350% to 800%, possessing excellent flexibility and elasticity. This allows them to stretch without tearing, providing a comfortable fit to the user's hand. High elongation at break maintains flexibility and tactile feel, enabling the user to perform more precise operations.

[0072] One characteristic of biomass gloves is their low protein extraction concentration of less than 50 ppm. Such low concentrations can be achieved by decomposing and removing extractable proteins through pre-vulcanization treatment, including the use of alkaline proteases and UV irradiation. Reducing the protein extraction content lowers the risk of allergic reactions to the gloves, making them suitable even for individuals allergic to latex. Such hypoallergenic gloves can be applied in fields such as medicine and food.

[0073] When the palm thickness of the glove exceeds 0.03 mm, a good balance is achieved between protective effect and tactile comfort. Gloves with this thickness can maintain flexibility for fine movements while providing protection against contaminants and hazardous materials. Gloves with this palm thickness also improve overall durability and can withstand wear and tear in various applications.

[0074] In short, the biomass gloves produced by the above method have the following characteristics and performance. It contains 3% to 40% biomass and can be used as a renewable material. The tensile strength is 14-40 MPa, ensuring sufficient mechanical strength. It has a breaking elongation of 350% to 800%, and possesses excellent flexibility and elasticity. The protein extraction concentration is less than 50 ppm, which reduces the risk of causing allergic reactions. With a palm thickness exceeding 0.03mm, it strikes a good balance between protection and feel.

[0075] Biomass gloves possessing the aforementioned properties can be used in a variety of applications and offer high performance, safety, and sustainability. Gloves manufactured using novel material combinations and new manufacturing methods can meet the demanding requirements of various industries and provide user comfort and environmental protection.

[0076] In order to verify that the biomass gloves of the present invention are hypoallergenic and environmentally sustainable, can be used by users with allergies, and have environmental protection effects, the applicant will commission a third-party organization to test the protein extract content and biobased carbon content of the gloves.

[0077] The first test report, issued by SGS Taiwan Ltd. (Report No.: HQ40011 / 2023), presents the results of the analysis of the water-soluble protein extractable content of the biomass gloves of the present invention. Analysis based on ASTM D5712-15, specifically using the modified Lowry method, revealed a protein extractable content of 27.5 ppm in the test sample. A low content of extractable water-soluble proteins indicates a low risk of allergic reactions with the biomass gloves of the present invention. The test was conducted using a Shimadzu UV-1700 UV-VISIBLE spectrophotometer in an environment with an ambient temperature of 25±3°C and a relative humidity of 65±10%. The results show that the protein extractable content of the biomass gloves of the present invention is within an acceptable range, and they can be used even by people who are allergic to latex.

[0078] The second test report, issued by Beta Analytic (Report No.: Beta-660692), presents the results of an analysis of the bio-based carbon content of biomass gloves. Tested according to ASTM D6866-22 Method B(AMS)TOC, the gloves were found to contain 37% bio-based carbon. This indicates that 37% of the carbon content of the gloves comes from renewable biomass, such as plant or animal by-products, while the remaining 63% comes from fossil resources such as petroleum. The measured pMC (percentage modern carbon) was 36.61 ± 0.12 pMC. In this test, adjustment factors were used to reflect current carbon dioxide levels. The high percentage of bio-based carbon suggests the gloves' environmental sustainability and meets the requirements of environmentally friendly products. The analysis was conducted according to strict standards, resulting in ISO / IEC 17025:2017 test certification PJLA #59423, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability.

[0079] As can be seen from the aforementioned test reports, the biomass gloves of the present invention are hypoallergenic and contain many renewable materials. The SGS report shows that the gloves have a low protein extract content, which reduces the likelihood of causing allergic reactions. The Beta Analytic report shows that a significant portion of the glove's composition is naturally derived and sustainable. The biomass gloves of the present invention are a good product for health and environmentally conscious consumers, can be used in a variety of applications, and ensure safety, comfort, and environmental protection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 100 Biomass Gloves 110 1st layer 120 2nd layer 130 3rd layer

Claims

1. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves having the following (a) to (j): The hypoallergenic biomass glove has a multilayer structure including a first layer and a second layer. (a) To provide a mold for manufacturing gloves on which a coagulant is attached to the surface. (b) The mold is immersed in a latex solution and the mold coated with latex is pre-dried to form a latex-coated mold. (c) Wash the latex-coated mold with water. (d) Dry the latex-coated mold. (e) The latex coating mold is vulcanized to solidify the latex and produce gloves. (f) Remove residual proteins and contaminants by chlorine washing the vulcanized gloves. (g) Remove any remaining chlorine by rinsing the chlorine-washed gloves with water. (h) The gloves are immersed in a secondary material immersion tank containing a polyurethane polymer material. (i) Dry the gloves. (j) Release the gloves from the mold. Before performing step (e), perform steps (b) to (d) at least twice. The latex solution used when steps (b) to (d) are performed for the first time is for forming the first layer and contains synthetic rubber and biomass polysaccharides. The latex solution used when steps (b) to (d) are performed a second time is for forming the second layer and contains natural rubber. The latex solution before performing steps (b) to (d) for the second time has been subjected to a pre-vulcanization treatment. The aforementioned pre-vulcanization treatment includes a step of adding alkaline protease, a step of irradiating with ultraviolet light, and a step of blending polyol derived from cellulose material. The polyol reacts with the acidic groups in the latex solution to form a network structure. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves.

2. The alkaline protease is added at a weight percentage concentration of 0.1% to 2.0%. The pH value is 9.5 to 10.

5. Stir the latex solution at room temperature for 12 to 48 hours. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned ultraviolet irradiation is performed using an ultraviolet lamp with a wavelength of 240-270 nm and an intensity of 1.0-15.0 mW / cm² for 5 seconds to 120 minutes. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

4. The weight percentage concentration of the polyol is 10 to 30% of the total solid content of the latex solution. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

5. The above step (e) is carried out at a temperature of 100 to 120°C for 18 to 25 minutes. The latex comprises a vulcanizing agent and an accelerator. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

6. The vulcanizing agent and accelerator include inorganic oxides, sulfur, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, and zinc diethyldithiocarbamate. The concentration of inorganic oxides is 0.6 to 2 phr. The sulfur concentration is 0.6 to 2 phr. The concentration of zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate is 0.2 to 1 phr. The concentration of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate is 0.2 to 1 phr. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 5.

7. Step (f) above involves immersing the gloves in a chlorine solution of 100 to 1000 ppm for 60 to 300 seconds. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned secondary material immersion tank contains a polyurethane polymer material with a concentration of 1 to 10%. The (h) step is to form an inner layer with a thickness of 0.01 to 0.04 mm. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

9. The synthetic rubber is selected from the group consisting of nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, and isoprene rubber. A method for producing hypoallergenic biomass gloves according to claim 1.

10. A hypoallergenic biomass glove obtained by the manufacturing method described in claim 1, The aforementioned hypoallergenic biomass gloves have a multilayer structure, The aforementioned multilayer structure includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer comprises a combination of nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, or isoprene rubber and a polysaccharide biomass material. The aforementioned second layer comprises a combination of natural rubber and a polysaccharide biomass material. The aforementioned third layer includes a polyurethane inner layer, The aforementioned hypoallergenic biomass gloves have a biomass content of 3% to 40%, a tensile strength of 14 to 40 MPa, an elongation at break of 350% to 800%, a protein extraction concentration of less than 50 ppm, and a palm thickness exceeding 0.03 mm. Hypoallergenic biomass gloves.

11. The thickness of the first layer is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm. The hypoallergenic biomass glove according to claim 10.

12. The thickness of the second layer is 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm. The hypoallergenic biomass glove according to claim 10.

13. The thickness of the third layer is 0.01 mm to 0.04 mm. The hypoallergenic biomass glove according to claim 10.

14. The aforementioned polysaccharide biomass material is selected from the group consisting of cellulose and starch. The hypoallergenic biomass glove according to claim 10.

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