Choosing the correct glove for your particular application can be a daunting task. Glove materials resist different chemicals, no one glove is suited for all chemical exposures. A glove that is well suited for one application may not be right for another. It is best to base glove material selection on the manufacturer's chemical resistance guide. Choose a glove that is most resistant to the chemicals being used. Choices to consider when selecting chemical gloves include thickness and length. Thicker gauge gloves are heavier and have better resistance than thinner gauge gloves. Thinner gloves offer better touch and flexibility while chemical resistance is weakened.
Gloves have a variety of finishes and linings. Textured finishes are applied to gloves to give a better grip. Knit and Flock linings are on many styles of gloves. Cotton linings are applied for perspiration absorption. Knit linings do this too, as well as offer a small amount of temperature protection.
Below are a list of materials and applications that may help in your selection!
*Butyl-----------A synthetic rubber material that offers the highest permeation resistance to gas and water vapors. Especially suited for use with esters and ketones.
*Neoprene------A synthetic rubber material that provides excellent tensile strength and heat resistance. Neoprene is compatible with some acids and caustics. It has moderate abrasion resistance.
*Nitrile---------- A synthetic rubber material that offers chemical and abrasion resistance, and is a very good general-duty material for gloves. Nitrile also provides protection from oils, greases, petroleum products and some acids and caustics.
*PVC------------ A synthetic thermoplastic polymer that provides excellent resistance to most acids, fats and petroleum hydrocarbons. Good abrasion resistance.
*PVA------------- A water-soluble synthetic material that is highly impermeable to gases. Excellent chemical resistance to aromatic and chlorinated solvents. This glove cannot be used in water or water-based solutions.
*Viton------------ A fluoroelastomer material that provides exceptional chemical resistance to chlorinated and aromatic solvents. Viton is very flexible, but has minimal resistance to cuts and abrasions.
*SilverShield---- A lightweight, flexible laminated material that resists permeation from a wide range of toxic and hazardous chemicals. It offers the highest level of overall chemical resistance, but has virtually no cut resistance.