Many industries require personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely and efficiently perform tasks. Products like disposable gloves are valuable for numerous applications, protecting both the wearer and the patients or products they handle. There are various glove materials available on the market, so it’s crucial to understand the benefits and limitations of each product before supplying them to workers.

With its high durability, greater chemical resistance, no risk of latex allergies and other advantages, nitrile has become a suitable material for medical and industrial gloves across the country. Professionals use nitrile gloves in various sectors as a go-to disposable glove. Here’s a look at everything to know about nitrile.

What Is Nitrile?

Nitrile rubber, also called Buna-N or NBR, is a synthetic rubber copolymer derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene molecules. Depending on its composition, nitrile rubber can vary in its chemical resistance and physical properties. More acrylonitrile will increase the rubber’s resistance to swelling from oil and produce a stronger material. Nitrile rubber with less acrylonitrile will be more flexible. Typically, people who choose nitrile rubber opt for variations with inferior flexibility to boost its other qualities.

Nitrile is a versatile elastomer, widely used for its general properties like high tensile strength, high puncture resistance, chemical and oil resistance, hypoallergenic qualities and more. Gloves constructed from nitrile can protect against numerous hazards in medical and industrial applications. Nitrile’s versatility allows for the construction of both heavy-duty and tactile-focused synthetic rubber gloves.

Nitrile gloves are available in multiple styles, including general-purpose, examination, sterile, non-sterile and chemo-related options.

Nitrile Glove Specifications

Disposable nitrile gloves intended for protective purposes must comply with various specifications for safety and effectiveness. Workplaces need to supply properly tested and FDA-certified products to their staff members. Evaluate the usability of each glove type to determine which material will best suit your working requirements.

Base the benefits and limitations of different protective gloves on their performance in the following categories:

• Puncture resistance and durability
• Chemical resistance
• Comfort and flexibility
• Tactile sensitivity
• Level of risk for a Type 1 allergic reaction
• Cost-effective