Comparison of test methods for pinhole and non-uniform defects in nitrile examination gloves. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Brien, Andy; Yap, Seong Shan; Nee, Chen Hon; Phang, Chee Kin; Lim, Keuw Wei; Tou, Teck Yong
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 112(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Glove defects -- Integrity -- Dielectric breakdown -- Leakage current -- Nitrile gloves -- Pinhole; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107651
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Mechanical and dielectric integrities of 4-g (0.07 mm thickness) nitrile-examination gloves with defects such as sub-mm pinhole and thin spot in the obscured finger region, as well as relatively large thin area, are measured and compared. Mechanical test methods were the water-leak test and the tensile test. In complaince to EN455 standard, a normal glove is required to pass the force-at-break of 6 N in the tensile test, but this was significantly reduced (<3 N) with the presence of above mentioned defects. Similarly, from the electrical insulation test, the dielectric breakdown voltage was reduced from around 800 V to as low as 20–40 V at the pinhole or thin spot. Based on the failure results, we compare the efficacies of water-leak, tensile and the electrical-insulation test methods. This work suggests that the electrical insulation test is suitable for real-time monitoring in the production line. Highlights: Nitrile gloves with defects such as pinhole and thin spot were measured. Electrical insulation test was done and compared to water-leak test and tensile test. The V breakdown was reduced from 800 V to 20–40 V at the pinhole or thin spot. Electrical insulation test is suitable for real-time monitoring in production line.