Many industries require handlers to have a protective layer when coming into contact with products. This can prevent product contamination and protect people handling it from direct contact. Some instances include the food packaging industry, the medical field, housekeeping, and cleaning services. For many industries, a popular choice is nitrile gloves.
Contact us to discuss your requirements for nbr latex. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Now, what are nitrile gloves? Are they safe for use? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using nitrile gloves? Let’s find the answers today!
What are Nitrile Gloves?
Many people suffered from severe latex allergies, which drove the need for a safer alternative. In the 1990s, nitrile gloves emerged and soon became one of the most sought-after gloves in the industrial sector. In 1991, Neil Tillotson and Luc DeBecker patented nitrile exam glove technology after successfully producing the first 100% nitrile disposable glove. These gloves may not be as elastic as latex gloves; however, they are superior in many factors, including durability, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand puncture and rupture.
The pricing for nitrile gloves depends on petroleum prices. In general, nitrile gloves are more expensive than their counterparts. However, they are extremely durable, making them worth the investment.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made of?
Nitrile gloves are made from Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR). This material was patented by German chemists Erich Konrad and Eduard Tschunkur in the 1930s. Nitrile rubber is derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene and is highly resistant to oil, fuel, and chemicals. The production process of nitrile gloves includes:
- Polymerization
- Monomer recovery
- Coagulation processes with additives
What are Nitrile Gloves Used for?
The composition of nitrile gloves makes them very versatile and suitable for industries that deal with chemicals, fuels, and other industrial uses. They can be found in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, janitorial and housekeeping services, chemical and paint industries, and even food processing sectors. Many industrial-grade nitrile gloves are manufactured thicker than normal to withstand harsh environments and have a longer shelf life.
It must be noted that body heat from the hands can warm nitrile gloves, allowing them to fit snugly and remain comfortable throughout their use.
Are Nitrile Gloves Food-safe?
Yes, nitrile gloves are certified as food-safe by the FDA and HACCP. The structure of nitrile makes it chemically inert, thus allowing it to come into contact with even strong chemicals. Nitrile gloves are a safe, clean, and additive-free way to handle and process food. Unlike vinyl gloves that are temperature intolerant, nitrile gloves can be used at higher temperatures and are puncture-proof as well. Nitrile material can handle from 250°F to 300°F temperatures.
Are Nitrile Gloves Latex-free?
Yes, good quality products from trusted nitrile glove manufacturers are latex-free, BPA-free, and usually powder-free as well. Although referred to as synthetic rubber, nitrile does not contain natural latex proteins and hence is safe to be used by all.
Are Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistant?
Yes, nitrile gloves are chemically resistant, puncture-proof, elastic, and flexible, thus finding use in demanding industrial environments. As mentioned before, industrial-grade nitrile gloves are made thicker for additional protection. Nitrile gloves can safely come into contact with chemicals, paints, fuels, mild acids, and more, protecting the wearer.
Do Nitrile Gloves Conduct Electricity?
No, nitrile gloves do not conduct electricity. Nitrile gloves mimic all the beneficial properties of natural rubber, making them great insulators. They do not conduct electricity, even static electricity, and are safe for use in demanding environments and even at higher temperatures.
What are the Benefits of Nitrile Gloves?
Here are the benefits of nitrile gloves:
- Nitrile gloves are waterproof and do not absorb water.
- They have more tolerance to higher temperatures compared to vinyl gloves.
- They are elastic in nature, similar to natural rubber.
- They are puncture-proof, making them ideal where dexterity is required.
- They are latex-free and powder-free.
- They have high chemical resistance; however, very strong chemicals may still seep through.
- Good quality nitrile gloves are recyclable, reducing harmful environmental effects.
What are the shortcomings of Nitrile Gloves?
- They are expensive to manufacture compared to other gloves.
- The tactile index is lower than latex gloves, making it harder to feel objects.
- They cannot be used with extremely strong chemicals and oxidizing acids.
- Although recyclable, traditional gloves are not biodegradable.
RedibagUSA: The Best Nitrile Glove Manufacturer in the USA
When it comes to a trusted nitrile glove manufacturer, RedibagUSA is the right choice. With over six decades of experience, RedibagUSA is the industry leader in bag manufacturing and packaging.
RedibagUSA caters to restaurants, delis, groceries, dry cleaners, industrial markets, and more, meeting their storage and packaging needs. The company has numerous patents to its name over the years. Headquartered in the United States, it is a division of New York Packaging II LLC.
RedibagUSA’s nitrile gloves offer robust protection against chemicals and punctures. As a synthetic version of latex, these nitrile gloves provide an allergy-free alternative for those with latex allergies. These nitrile gloves are up to three times stronger than latex, providing greater protection while maintaining dexterity and flexibility.
The nitrile gloves are available in various sizes and in blue color. You can reach out to us for a custom quote, and we’ll be delighted to help you with your business needs.
In addition to Nitrile Gloves, you can also rely on RedibagUSA for:
- Hybrid Gloves
- PE Gloves
- Vinyl Gloves
Rely on the Experience
With a complete and diversified selection of products, RedibagUSA is the company you were searching for. We handle the production, distribution, and logistics capabilities to serve some of the world’s largest international supermarkets and quick-service restaurants.
Contact us for more information about our offerings and how we can satisfy your every packaging need!
Guide to the Different Types of Rubber
Rubber is a unique material known for its elasticity and durability, making it one of the most popular materials for many sectors to this day.
From brief to delivery, our experts assess our client’s individual requirements and find the best type of rubber for your application, taking into account budget, period, and functionality.
Nine Different Types of Rubber
To start, we will review nine different types of rubber used in everyday applications from vehicle tires and gaskets to footwear and food storage. We will look at how they are made and used, and the properties of each type of rubber.
Natural Rubber (NR)
How it is made:
Harvested from the milky liquid (latex) from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree.
Where it is mainly used:
- Tires
- Gloves
- Insulation
- Adhesives
Sectors:
- Construction
- Transportation
- Automotive
- Health
- Manufacturing for retail
Features:
- High resistance to tearing
- High tensile strength
- Resilience to low temperatures
- Resistance to abrasion
Silicone Rubber (Q)
How it is made:
A complex process involving quartz sand, high temperatures, distillation, and the use of various chemicals creates what we know as silicone rubber.
Where it is mainly used:
- Footwear
- Cooking products
- Food storage products
- Apparel
Sectors:
- Automotive
- Manufacturing for retail
Features:
- Excellent resistance to light, ozone, and weathering
- Odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic
- Resistant to seawater
- Excellent resistance to foodstuffs
Neoprene Rubber (CR)
How it is made:
Created by the polymerization of chloroprene using heat alongside various chemicals.
Where it is mainly used:
- Seals
- Hoses
- Gaskets
- Washers
Sectors:
Features:
- Immensely tough and durable
- Better chemical resistance than most other rubbers
- Flame-resistant
- High resistance to tearing
Butyl Rubber (IIR) or Isobutylene-isoprene or “butyl”
How it is made:
Formed by copolymerizing isobutylene with small amounts of isoprene at a low temperature.
Where it is mainly used:
- Inner tubes
- Squash balls
- Sealants
Sectors:
- Sports and leisure
- Automotive
Features:
- High resistance to tearing
- Good electrical insulator
- Highly impermeable to gases
- Excellent resistance to light, ozone, and weathering
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
How it is made:
Created through bulk polymerization using one of three processes: slurry, solution, or gas-phase.
Where it is mainly used:
- Basin door valve sealing
- Refrigerator and freezer doors
Sectors:
Features:
- Good resistance to wear and tear
- Excellent resistance to light, ozone, and weathering
- Can withstand low temperatures
- Good resistance to flex cracking
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
How it is made:
One of the oldest man-made elastomers, NBR is created through selective hydrogenation of the butadiene groups.
Where it is mainly used:
- Oil seals
- Gaskets
- Synthetic leather
Sectors:
Features:
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good resistance to wear and tear
- Good resistance to lubricating oil and petrol
- Hypoallergenic
Polyurethane Rubber (PUR or PU)
How it is made:
Made through polymerization reaction between polyols or diodes, resulting in a molecule bonded by urethane linkages.
Where it is mainly used:
Sectors:
Features:
- Good resistance to wear and tear
- High abrasion and strength
- Can be produced in a very high hardness rating
- High tensile strength
FKM or FPM (also known and copyrighted as ‘Viton’ by DuPont)
How it is made:
A process called fluorine rubber monomer copolymerization.
Where it is mainly used:
- Extruded goods, such as O-rings
Sectors:
Features:
- Extreme temperature performance
- Ideal for demanding or extreme applications
- Good level of chemical resistance
- Durable and dependable for applications
Styrene – Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
How it is made:
This popular and random copolymer is created through the copolymerization of butadiene and styrene, using only free radical initiators.
Where it is mainly used:
Sectors:
Features:
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good resistance to wear and tear
- Resistance to flex cracking
- Very good resistance to water
Natural and Synthetic Rubber
Natural Rubber
Derived from a natural origin, natural rubber is harvested from the latex of a tropical plant.
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber, as its name suggests, is an artificial variation. While synthetic rubber has different properties from natural rubber, it is made to the same quality.
Before discussing the key differences between natural and synthetic rubber, let’s consider their commonalities. Both types of rubber have:
- Good low-temperature flexibility
- High tensile strength (applies to most types of rubber, but there are some exceptions, such as silicone)
- Abrasion resistance
However, there are some key differences between these two types of rubber.
Natural rubber has higher tensile strength and higher tear resistance. Its capability to resist tearing and chipping makes it practical for use with steel cords or in vehicle tires, for example.
Synthetic rubber's success lies in its adaptability. It can be produced with whatever properties suit the application. Synthetic rubber tends to have a stronger odor than natural rubber and allows for longer usage due to its durability and resilience. This fabricated material can provide improved resistance to extreme temperatures, and various liquids and chemicals.
There are many different kinds of rubber on the market, making it tricky to choose the appropriate material.
For over sixty years, GMT Rubber has provided industry leaders across various fields with the highest quality rubber solutions. If you would like to learn more about which type of rubber might be best suited for your use or project, please get in touch with our team today or check out our blog post on how to choose the best rubber compound for your application.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website nbr latex for gloves.
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