Nitrile Blend Gloves
NITRILE BLEND GLOVES
A nitrile blend uniquely combines nitrile and vinyl material that offers a low-cost alternative to latex or pure nitrile gloves. These disposable gloves are powder-free and offer the best qualities of both materials.
The durability of nitrile means that this glove offers chemical barrier protection, but with the more affordable price of vinyl gloves. Like vinyl, nitrile blends are also softer and more flexible.
For those who have latex allergies, latex-free gloves are the only option. While vinyl nitrile gloves are unsuitable for medical environments, they do offer durability. Vinyl gloves are most commonly used in non-hazardous environments, including food preparation, because of the low protection levels they offer. When combined with nitrile to create a nitrile blend glove, they offer puncture and cut protection but are not as effective against bacteria and pathogens.
Unlike latex, vinyl and nitrile are not made from natural rubber but are manufactured from synthetic materials. Nitrile is made of a combination of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Vinyl comes from polyvinyl chloride monomers, which are also known as PVC. PVC is inexpensive to make, which is why the cost of vinyl and nitrile blend gloves is lower.
Do nitrile blend gloves resist oils and chemicals?
Latex gloves are known to wear thin when exposed to hydrocarbons, which include oil-based chemicals like gasoline. However, nitrile blend gloves protect against many industrial chemicals and oils. Nitrile blend disposable gloves may be inappropriate for all industrial settings, and you should consult with an industrial hygienist for your specific situation.
Do nitrile blend gloves resist punctures?
Nitrile blend gloves are stronger than latex in their puncture resistance, and when they are punctured, they show the puncture more visibly than latex. Punctures in latex often aren’t visible and may go unnoticed until the wearer feels fluid or another substance they’re meant to be protected against.
Nitrile glove material does not resist punctures as effectively as heavy-duty work gloves designed for industrial applications. However, most everyday work situations will find disposable nitrile gloves sufficient and hygienic enough for widespread use.
Are nitrile blend gloves food safe?
A nitrile blend glove is an appropriate option for food prep. Since they are powder-free and cost-effective, it’s easy for employees to switch between these gloves whenever necessary to maintain hygiene and food safety standards. Latex, vinyl, and PVC are also food safe, but they don’t provide the same level of strength and flexibility as nitrile blend gloves.
When should I use nitrile blend gloves?
Since they are generally chemical-resistant gloves, nitrile blend gloves are an excellent light-duty glove for settings where you don’t know exactly what you will be coming into contact with. They are perfect for most emergency room use, cleaning, light factory work, and other settings where the main goal is preventing exposure to pathogens or grime.
They work well for foodservice and janitorial work since they don’t degrade easily when exposed to oils. Nitrile blend gloves are usually the go-to option for healthcare workers since they balance strength and elasticity.
When compared to latex, they are slightly less stretchy and offer lower touch sensitivity. Because of this, surgeons sometimes prefer to use latex gloves if they and the patient have no latex allergies. Other medical professionals may also prefer latex in some settings, but nitrile or nitrile blend always need to be available as a safe alternative.
Are nitrile vinyl blend gloves good?
They have an excellent balance of elasticity and strength but are expensive to manufacture. Nitrile blend gloves use a combination of nitrile and PVC paste to allow these gloves to be manufactured through a cheaper process than ordinary nitrile. Despite the lower price tag, they retain many advantages of nitrile.
Nitrile is a stronger, higher-quality glove compared to Latex. However, Latex is a cheaper option for those that do not require stronger chemical and puncture resistance.