Difference between nitrile gloves and latex gloves

The difference between nitrile coated gloves and latex coated gloves is mainly lies in different materials and protective properties. In special circumstances, the operator is injured because of incorrect wearing and insecure protection of personal protective equipment, then result in very serious consequences.

(1) Material

Nitrile gloves are the popular name for nitrile coated gloves. Nitrile is a kind of synthetic rubber, which is the key raw material for organic synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediates. Protective gloves are mainly synthesized from acrylonitrile and butadiene. Nitrile, a type of organic compound with distinctive odor and are decomposed by acid or alkali.

Latex gloves are also called rubber dipped gloves. Latex is a natural material, which is derived from rubber tree juice, natural latex is a biosynthetic product, its composition and colloidal structure are divided into some types due to different tree species, geology, climate and other related conditions. In the fresh latex liquid without any substance, the rubber hydrocarbons only account for 20%-40% of the total, the rest are a small amount of non-rubber components and water. The non-rubber component includes proteins, lipids, saccharides and inorganic component. Some of them are combined with rubber particles, the rest are dissolved in whey and form non-rubber particles. 

(2) traits

Nitrile coated gloves are relatively hard, they have poor elasticity, good wear resistance, acid & alkali resistance (some nitrile gloves can not prevent acetone and strong alcohol), anti-static, and will not cause allergies to the skin, which suitable for people who tend to allergic and can wear for a long time.

Compared with nitrile coated gloves, latex coated gloves are slightly inferior in toughness and wear resistance, but the elasticity is better. The wear resistance, acid & alkali resistance, and oil resistance are slightly worse than nitrile insulated gloves, its acid & alkali resistance is slightly better than nitrile coated gloves, but not suitable for allergic skin and long wearing.

3) Advantages and disadvantages of nitrile gloves and latex gloves 

Nitrile (NBR) is synthetic rubber with major components of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Advantages of nitrile gloves are no allergic and degradable, colors are bright because of the addition of pigments. Its disadvantage is poor elasticity and higher price than latex products. The chemical and acid & alkali resistant effect of nitrile material is much better than latex, so It is expensive. 

Latex gloves are made of natural latex (NR). Its advantages are good elastic and degradable, disadvantage is allergic reaction to people.