SEDL / STP / STP1133-EB / STP19155S

Chemical Resistance Properties of Advanced Glove Materials

Wilusz, E
Chief, and chemist, Individual Protection Directorate, U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, MA

Hassler, KD
Chief, and chemist, Individual Protection Directorate, U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, MA

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1992

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Abstract

Butyl rubber has been used for many years in chemical protective clothing applications such as gloves, overboots, and coated fabrics used in ensembles for the military and also used in industry. Novel compounds and material configurations have been developed for improved chemical protective gloves based on butyl rubber. The materials were challenged with toluene, 2,2,4- trimethylpentane, 1,5-dichloropentane, and triethyl phosphate. Because of the chemical specific nature of barrier properties, a two-layer approach using elastomers having different solubility parameters was used to provide resistance to hydrocarbons as well as to polar liquids. Poly-(epichlorohydrin)/butyl rubber gloves demonstrated a combination of chemical resistance properties for both hydrocarbons and other chemical hazards. Flame-retardant formulations of butyl rubber were developed using a suitable combination of additives. Gloves from the flame-retardant formulations provide the same barrier properties against the chemicals tested as standard butyl gloves.