2024 AIChE Annual Meeting

Enhanced Chemical Resistance in Elastomeric Gloves through Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Coatings

Graphene-based nanomaterials possess unique properties that can effectively address contemporary challenges in personal protective equipment (PPE) development. A promising application is the engineering of ultrathin, chemically resistant barrier coatings for elastomeric gloves. We hypothesize that these coatings offer a range of benefits, including effective chemical resistance, compatibility with elastomeric glove scaffolds, durability for extended use, and retention of dexterity—all while adhering to green chemistry and manufacturing principles.

These graphene-based films are produced by casting and drying graphene-based inks, which vary in concentration, type of graphene suspension, and crosslinkers. The primary material tested was graphene oxide, noted for its mechanical flexibility, crosslinker compatibility, and barrier properties. Nitrile rubber was chosen as the glove scaffold due to its established commercial use. Casting methods explored included drop casting and dip casting, which align with nitrile glove manufacturing practices. The solutions were cast on pre-stretched scaffolds, which induced a microscale crumpling of the films upon relaxation, granting greater mechanical flexibility and droplet repellency.

The coated films underwent rigorous testing for molecular permeation, mechanical wear resistance, and solvent immersion stability. Coatings applied to pre-stretched scaffolds maintained integrity during stretching, folding, and rubbing. Coatings treated with crosslinkers demonstrated enhanced solvent stability. Most significantly, the permeation data indicates that these graphene-based coatings substantially reduce the molecular permeability of the coated scaffolds.