Ionic Liquid Synthetic Latex Composition for Thin, Strong Gloves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic rubber latex gloves face challenges in achieving reduced palm film thickness while maintaining high strength, modulus, and elongation properties, as well as eliminating allergens like Sulphur and accelerators, to meet medical and industrial standards.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic rubber latex composition is developed, incorporating an ionic liquid formulation with alkyl imidazole salts, metal oxides, and functional materials, which allows for the production of gloves with a single wall thickness of less than 0.10 mm, achieving a force at break of 6 Newtons or greater, and improved modulus and elongation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If synthetic rubber latex composition is used to reduce palm film thickness, then cost is reduced and material consumption is lowered, but strength and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining synthetic rubber latex with ionic liquids and metal oxide nanoparticles to create a multi-component formulation. This composite approach allows the thin film to achieve enhanced mechanical properties through synergistic interactions between components, resolving the contradiction between reduced material consumption and maintained strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical and chemical parameters of the rubber composition by incorporating ionic liquids and metal oxides at specific concentrations. These parameter changes modify the viscoelastic properties, crosslinking density, and molecular structure of the rubber matrix, enabling thin films to achieve adequate strength without increasing thickness
2Loss of substance
If palm film thickness is reduced to 0.10 mm or below, then cost is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies processing parameters including cure temperature, curing time, and mixing conditions to optimize the manufacturing of thin-film gloves. By adjusting these parameters, the formulation achieves proper gel strength and processing characteristics that simplify manufacturing operations despite the reduced film thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-component composite formulation provides improved processability and gel strength during manufacturing, reducing the complexity associated with handling and processing ultra-thin synthetic rubber films
3Loss of substance
If palm film thickness is reduced to 0.10 mm or below, then cost is reduced, but mechanical properties such as modulus and elongation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials comprising synthetic rubber latex, ionic liquids, and metal oxide nanoparticles to maintain modulus and elongation properties in thin-film gloves. The ionic liquids and metal oxides create a reinforced network structure that preserves mechanical properties despite reduced thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts compositional parameters including the type and concentration of ionic liquid and metal oxide to optimize the balance between film thickness and mechanical properties. These parameter changes enable the thin film to achieve adequate modulus and elongation without increasing thickness
4Strength
If natural rubber latex is used, then elastomeric properties are improved, but allergen content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting natural rubber proteins with synthetic rubber latex and ionic liquids. This parameter change eliminates allergenic proteins while maintaining elastomeric properties through the synthetic polymer matrix and ionic liquid additives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful protein component from natural rubber latex by using synthetic rubber latex as the base material. This extraction of the allergenic element eliminates Type I hypersensitivity risks while preserving the desired elastomeric characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are compositions and associated methods for producing elastomeric rubber gloves with improved strength and flexibility at desirable glove palm thicknesses. An example elastomeric rubber glove comprises a substrate formed from a composition comprising a synthetic rubber latex, and an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may comprise a combination of one or more alkyl imidazole ionic salts. The composition may comprise one or more metal oxides, including at least one of zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, cadmium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The synthetic rubber latex compositions were found to yield a material with strength and flexibility characteristics comparable to natural latex gloves of a greater thickness. The described gloves may also be cured without the addition of Sulphur and other vulcanization or rubber accelerators, further reducing the risk of allergies and costs of production.