Industries

What is chlorination?

This involves washing in water containing dissolved chlorine, followed by neutralisation and rinsing to eliminate any residue. Chlorination can be carried out on the production line (in which case the inside of the glove is chlorinated) or at the post-manufacturing phase (the glove is chlorinated both inside and out). The chlorine modifies the chemical structure of the glove's surface. The process is permanent and irreversible. Chlorination is also sometimes termed halogenation and can refer to smooth finished gloves.

Why chlorination?

Rubber does not slip, particularly natural latex. Chlorination makes the glove surface slippery thus making it easier to put on. It is therefore an essential process for gloves without a cotton flocklined interior or where there is no powder to help ease them on. Single-use, "non-powdered" disposable gloves made of natural or synthetic (nitrile, etc.) rubber are chlorinated.

What are its advantages?

Does chlorination have other advantages apart from this slippery quality? Clean gloves, no powder or fibres? Food Processing, Cleanrooms, etc? Elimination of extractible soluble substances (including natural latex proteins) and adjustment to a neutral pH? Excellent skin tolerance.

Are there any drawbacks?

The fact that chlorine is used in this process can create environmental problems for the manufacturer. In addition gloves treated in this way are generally more expensive than the "powdered" version. Finally, gloves which have had their external surface chlorinated could be slippery and the grip is thus less reliable.

Used gloves as well as their packaging must not have adverse impact on the environment.

What is HDPE?

HDPE is corresponding to High Density Polyethylene fibers.

Uses HDPE fibers ensuring excellent cut resistance with reduced thickness for good dexterity.