Multifunctional latex article
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latex articles, particularly gloves, face challenges in achieving both high chemical resistance and a firm grip, especially in wet and oily conditions, due to the degradation caused by chemical absorption and the difficulty in creating a textured surface on synthetic latices like polychloroprene and nitrile butadiene rubber.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered latex article is developed with a nitrile-butadiene inner layer, a polychloroprene intermediate layer with Nano clay for enhanced chemical resistance, and a micro-roughened polychloroprene outer layer created by dipping in a solvent mixture of methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and acetic acid, which forms ionic crosslinks and a unique textured surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic latices with higher chemical resistance are used, then chemical resistance is improved, but the ability to achieve effective textured surface is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the synthetic latex by incorporating functionalized silane crosslinking agents and specific catalysts that enable the material to respond to aqueous acid treatment. This parameter change allows the formation of a textured surface on polychloroprene and other synthetic latices that previously resisted texturing, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining chemical resistance and achieving effective textured surface formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition during the texturing process by applying aqueous acid treatment that causes localized swelling and contraction of the latex matrix. This phase transition creates the desired textured surface morphology while preserving the underlying chemical resistance properties of the synthetic latex material
2Ease of operation
If organic solvents are used to create crinkled surface on natural rubber, then grip is improved, but the method is not effective for synthetic latices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - aqueous acid solution - that mediates between the synthetic latex material and the desired textured surface outcome. Unlike organic solvents that work only on natural rubber, this aqueous acid intermediary effectively creates crinkled surfaces on synthetic latices like polychloroprene, thereby improving both grip and adaptability across different latex types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of organic solvent swelling with an aqueous acid-based system that achieves surface texturing through different chemical mechanisms. This substitution enables the texturing process to work on synthetic latices that are incompatible with organic solvents, thus improving both grip and versatility
3Duration of action of stationary object
If re-usable latex articles are designed with higher chemical resistance, then durability is improved, but degradation from chemical contact still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining synthetic latex (polychloroprene) with functionalized silane crosslinking agents and metal oxide catalysts. This composite structure provides enhanced chemical resistance while maintaining flexibility and durability, allowing re-usable articles to withstand repeated chemical exposure without significant degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary chemical treatment during manufacturing by incorporating crosslinking agents and catalysts that pre-condition the latex material. This preliminary action creates a more chemically resistant structure before the article is put into service, reducing subsequent degradation from chemical contact and extending useful lifetime
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 solution provides a glove with high chemical resistance and reliable grip in various conditions, enabling prolonged use and environmental sustainability by preventing frequent disposal, while maintaining a long-lasting, multifunctional latex article.
Implementation Method 1
The gelled third layer is then dipped in a solvent mixture comprising methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and acetic acid. Toluene swells the polychloroprene layer whilst MEK acts on the swelled surface and creates the micro-roughness
Implementation Method 2
The degree of crosslinking plays a vital role in creating textured surfaces. The ingredients in the compound of the second and third layers, more particularly Sulphur, forms covalent crosslinks with the double bonds whil zinc forms ionic crosslinks with the chlorine atom during curing
Implementation Method 3
The layered Nano clay, which is dispersed uniformly within the polychloroprene matrix and interacted with polychloroprene molecules, absorbs the solvent molecules into the clay gallery space and expands its volume by swelling
Implementation Method 4
The layered Nano clay, which is dispersed uniformly within the polychloroprene matrix and interacted with polychloroprene molecules, absorbs the solvent molecules into the clay gallery space and expands its volume by swelling
Implementation Method 5
The gelled third layer is then dipped in a solvent mixture comprising methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and acetic acid. The micro roughness is formed by dipping the third layer in a solvent mixture comprising methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and acetic acid
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layered multifunctional polymeric latex article is provided. A first polymeric latex layer, having nitrile butadiene, is resistant to chemical permeation whilst the second polymeric latex layer disposed on the first layer, being a composite layer of polychloroprene and Nano clay, is resistant to chemical degradation. The third layer disposed on the second layer is a polychloroprene layer having a unique micro-roughened surface texture pattern, providing an improved grip and friction in both wet and dry conditions. The second and third layers are disposed during the wet gelled stages of the first and second layers respectively. The gelled third layer is dipped in a solvent mixture whereby a chemical reaction causes the gelled surface of the third layer to texturize by swelling and fixing, creating a continuous and discontinuous wavy micro-roughened surface which is then cured causing formation of ionic crosslinks in the third polymeric layer.