Physical Characteristics of Glove Materials*

Degradation

Degradation is a reduction in one or more physical properties of a glove due to chemical contact. Exposed gloves may swell, get harder or softer, stiffen or weaken or become brittle. Degredation-resistance testing of gloves is important to assure worker safety, however, permeation-resistance is also essential.

Data shown are No performance warranty in intended or implied. Ratings were arrived at by visual and physical examination of samples after their exposure to the chemical stated. Sources for this information include studies conducted at the University of Washington and Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, 1981.

When considering a glove for a specific application, it is important to consider other requirements such as thermal conditions, chemical concentration, physical hazards and mixtures of chemicals. A glove should be tested in actual service before specification.

Permeation

The Permeation Resistance Guide is a reference point for proper glove analysis in hazardous chemical handling. All test results were produced independently. Radian Corporation of Austin Texas (an AIHA accredited laboratory) performed the permeation tes ting in accordance with ASTM Standard F739-81.

Each Polymer is Ranked according to breakthrough time as a reference for future testing by the user. Breakthrough time is the elapsed time between initial contact of an aqueous solution with the exterior surface of a glove and the time at which the solution can be detected on the interior surface.

Actual performance of a glove depends upon varied factors. Work application, chemical mix, chemical contact time, and glove thickness are just a few.