Latex gloves

Latex is a substance of milky-white color in which natural rubber, synthetic rubber or other polymers are mixed in the form of a solution (liquid melt). "Latex" is the general term used for a designation of polymeric materials, components received by compounding in a liquid state. In medical industry this term is used only for a designation of technically limited natural rubber latex (NRL). NRL is an elastic material received by gathering sap of a natural rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis). It is a chemical composition of polyisoprene fragments, surrounded by phospholipoproteins and a suspension containing saccharides, fats, ashes, nucleic acids and mineral elements. NRL made of the sap collected from specially prepared "intense" cuts on a bark of a tree, possesses a number of more certain and permanent properties.

Vinyl gloves

Polyvinyl chloride is a derivative of natural substances: petroleum and domestic salt; in the production of PVC gloves plasticizers are applied (20-70%), usually phthalates, which eliminate rigidity of gloves. PVC is resistant to most solvents; it dissolves or swells in cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofurane, pyridine, carbon disulfide; decomposes under the influence of light and temperature. Vinyl gloves, made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride are the cheapest in the synthetic gloves category and recommended to people allergic to latex. Vinyl gloves, in comparison with latex gloves, are less flexible and do not adapt to the shape of the hand well; they have poorer resistance to tear and punctures, are a worse protective barrier than latex gloves and have a better chemical resistance than latex gloves. An advantage for their users is that they are odour-free; the disadvantage is the difficulty in carrying out jobs requiring precisions with the use of slippery metal tools.

Neoprene gloves

Neoprene is a synthetic latex with good immersion characteristics and excellent resistance to ozone, oily and many other chemical substances. Neoprene gloves are characterised by high elasticity, and they adapt well to the shape of the hand; in comparison with other synthetic gloves they are more soft, elastic and comfortable; are resistant to ketones, acids, hydrocarbons, oils and fats as well as organic solvents.

Nitrile gloves

Synthetic gloves, made of nitrile, fairly well adapting to the shape of the hand; are resistant to organic solvents, alcohols, oils, fats, acids, hydrocarbons; they boast a high resistance to abrasion, tear and punctures, constituting at the same time a good protective barrier against viruses and bacteria in high infection risk environments; may bring about allergenic reactions type IV.

Resistance to chemicals

Work with chemical reagents determines the selection of a suitable glove type.

The list below is not complete; it only suggests the selection of suitable gloves to be used when working in a specific chemical environment.

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