Anti-chemical labor gloves selection

Gloves offer excellent resistance to penetration, but their effectiveness can be compromised if they are prone to tearing or puncturing. When selecting a chemical-resistant glove, it's essential to evaluate not just one property, but several critical factors such as cut resistance, puncture resistance, and abrasion resistance. These properties work together to ensure the glove remains durable and functional under real-world conditions.

Permeation is the process by which chemicals pass through the protective barrier of the glove. Unlike visible damage, permeation occurs at a molecular level, where chemical molecules slowly move through the material without creating visible holes. This means that even if the glove appears intact, harmful substances may have already started to penetrate the surface, posing a risk to the user.

To better understand this concept, consider an inflatable balloon. Even though there are no visible holes in the balloon, gas can still escape over time. The same principle applies to chemical permeation—chemicals can seep through the glove material, even if there are no obvious defects. This makes it crucial to choose gloves with high resistance to permeation for long-term protection.

When evaluating the performance of a glove against chemicals, two key metrics are often used: breakthrough time and permeation rate. Breakthrough time refers to the time it takes for a chemical to pass through the glove material during a six-hour test period. This measurement helps determine how long the glove can effectively protect the user before exposure occurs.

Another important factor is degradation, which happens when the glove material breaks down due to contact with chemicals. This can lead to a loss of structural integrity, making the glove less effective at preventing penetration. For example, some gloves may become brittle, while others may soften or shrink. In all cases, degradation reduces the glove’s ability to protect the user, so it’s important to select materials that resist chemical breakdown.