Nitrile exam gloves offer superior performance in a variety of harsh, high-risk work conditions, due to the make up of the material. Nitrile is a synthetic polymer that displays rubber-like characteristics when vulcanized. The polymer is made in the form of latex, an emulsion, and can be processed much like natural rubber latex.

However, unlike natural latex, the backbone of the nitrile polymer is composed of three monomers ("mono" meaning one and "mer" meaning unit). These monomers ingredients are acrylonitrile, butadiene, and any one of many carboxylic acids. They are uniquely combined and associated with other substances like zinc oxide to create favorable characteristics in nitrile gloves. For example:

1. Acrylonitrile helps enhance resistance to hydrocarbon oils, fats, and solvents.
2. Butadiene adds elasticity.
3. Carboxylic acids contribute strength and resistance to solvents, tearing, and abrasion.

History of Nitrile Exam Gloves
The first development of synthetic rubber materials was driven by the need to supplement the tight supply of natural rubber latex during World War I and World War II. The first commercial production of Acrylonitrile Butadiene (Nitrile) rubber was in 1930. In addition to providing good strength properties, these early nitrile elastomers out-performed ordinary rubbers in oil and gasoline resistance, abrasion resistance, gas permeability, and thermal stability, according to the Nitrile Elastomers, Vanderbuilt Rubber Handbook, 13th Edition.

Reichhold and its predecessor companies were among the first to develop and market nitrile for gloves on a commercial scale in 1969. At that time, nitrile polymers were designed specifically for gloves with two essential properties, chemical resistance and abrasion resistance. Further developments in vulcanization and polymerization have helped to evolve nitrile for the production of the thin, soft exam gloves.

Allergic Reactions Less Likely
Since nitrile is a synthetic rubber, it doesn’t create the same irritations and allergic reactions as natural latex rubber. That’s because natural rubber contains proteins, which act as built-in stabilizers and it is the proteins in the finished glove that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive glove wearers. However, nitrile exam gloves don’t contain any protein material because they’re stabilized with anionic surfactants.

Effectiveness of Nitrile Exam Gloves
Nitrile material is known for its ability to resist puncturing, tearing and abrasion, making it a durable alternative to latex gloves. In fact, because of its inherent strength, nitrile is three times more puncture resistant than natural rubber latex. Nitrile exam gloves are soft, supple and flexible, which helps to create a snug, comfortable fit. As you wear them, the material reacts to your body temperature and conforms to the contour of your hand.

Nitrile gloves offer a dependable barrier that can help protect your hands from cuts, grease, dirt, chemicals and other risks to your health. But not all nitrile gloves are created equal. Some manufacturers add fillers that can affect the comfort, strength, softness and other properties of the material. For the exact specification of nitrile glove products, check the manufacturer’s product information.

DonTheGlove distributes quality, comfortable nitrile exam gloves -- in both powdered & powder-free varieties.