SEDL / STP / STP1237-EB / STP14076S

Evaluation of Candidate Glove Liners for Reduction of Skin Maceration in Chemical Protective Gloves

Tremblay-Lutter, JF
Defence Scientist, Defence Research Establishment Suffield, Alberta,

Lang, JQ
Quality Engineering Test Establishment, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario,

Pichette, D
Research Technologist, Defence Research Establishment Ottawa, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario,

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1996

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Abstract

After prolonged use of chemical protective gloves, excessive sweat build-up may lead to maceration of the skin. This study investigated various properties of glove liners that contribute to reduction of sweat accumulation. A test protocol was developed to evaluate the key properties of glove liners following a review of existing performance specifications and standard test methods. Eleven prototype gloves with various combinations of cotton, viscose, polyester microfibres and lycra were manufactured and evaluated to determine how glove liner properties could be optimized. Fabric mass and yarn density were also controlled to obtain a glove liner of approximately 1 mm in thickness with desirable moisture absorption, wicking, wettability and drying time. The viscose/polyester/lycra combination offered the optimum glove liner properties with a high moisture absorbency and short drying time. Lycra provided a better fitting liner without any significant detriment to the key properties.