Biobased Hydrogel Glove Coating for Sweat Control and Easy Donning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powderless elastomeric articles fail to address issues of sweat accumulation, skin dryness, irritation, and difficulty in donning, while providing inadequate protection against chemical allergens and moisture retention.

Innovation Solution

A biopolymeric hydrogel coating composed of polysaccharides from mushrooms, glycerol, and thickening agents is applied to elastomeric articles, enhancing moisture absorption, providing a physical barrier, and improving donnability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If powderless elastomeric articles are used, then health safety is improved by eliminating powder inhalation risks, but donning difficulty increases and moisture management deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth safetyVSAvoiddonning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A biopolymeric hydrogel coating is applied to the inner surface of powderless elastomeric articles to serve as an intermediary layer. This coating provides the necessary lubrication for easy donning and effective moisture management without requiring traditional powder, thereby maintaining health safety while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the inner surface by applying a hydrogel coating with specific moisture absorption capacity and lubricity. This transformation enables the powderless article to achieve donning ease comparable to powdered articles while maintaining the health benefits of being powder-free.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional elastomeric materials are used, then barrier protection is provided, but skin irritation increases due to chemical residues and moisture accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier protectionVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biopolymeric hydrogel coating acts as an intermediary barrier between the elastomeric material and the skin. It absorbs moisture and chemical residues, preventing direct contact with the skin and thereby reducing irritation while maintaining the protective barrier function of the elastomeric article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel coating possesses a porous structure that enables it to absorb and retain moisture effectively. This porosity allows the coating to manage sweat accumulation during prolonged wear, reducing the risk of skin irritation and maintaining comfort without compromising barrier protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If prolonged glove wearing is required, then barrier protection duration is improved, but sweat accumulation increases causing discomfort and skin issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection durationVSAvoidsweat accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biopolymeric hydrogel coating continuously absorbs moisture throughout the duration of glove wear. This continuous moisture management action prevents sweat accumulation and maintains comfort over extended periods, enabling prolonged protection without the discomfort associated with moisture buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel coating's moisture absorption capacity is optimized to maintain effectiveness throughout prolonged wear. The coating's physical and chemical parameters are designed to sustain moisture management performance over time, ensuring continuous comfort and protection during extended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating significantly reduces sweat accumulation, moisturizes the skin, provides a barrier against chemical allergens, and eases donning, offering improved comfort and safety for prolonged wear.

Implementation Method 1

The coating significantly reduces sweat accumulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

provides a barrier against chemical allergens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4707321A1Biobased hydrogel coated elastomeric article and methods of making the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 GROW INNOVATIONS SDN BHD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a bio-based hydrogel coating composition for elastomeric articles provided to overcome the issues of sweat accumulation, skin dryness, irritation, and difficulty in donning wet gloves, while offering an alternative to powdered elastomeric articles. The bio-based hydrogel coating is designed to enhance the wearability, comfort, and hygiene of said elastomeric article. This innovative formulation eliminates the need for powder-based coatings while providing a multipronged solution to overcome the issues of sweat accumulation, skin dryness, irritation, and difficulty in donning wet gloves.