Assessing the suitability of self-healing rubber glove for safe handling of pesticides
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-11-2022
Abstract
Rubber gloves used for protection against chemicals or hazards are generally prone to tearing or leaking after repeated use, exposing the worker to potentially hazardous agents. Self-healing technology promises increased product durability and shelf life appears to be a feasible solution to address these issues. Herein, we aimed to fabricate a novel epoxidized natural rubber-based self-healable glove (SH glove) and investigate its suitability for handling pesticides safely. In this study, breakthrough time analysis and surface morphological observation were performed to determine the SH glove's ability to withstand dangerous chemicals. The chemical resistance performance of the fabricated SH glove was compared against four different types of commercial gloves at different temperatures. Using malathion as a model pesticide, the results showed that the SH glove presented chemical resistance ability comparable to those gloves made with nitrile and NR latex at room temperature and 37 degrees C. The self-healing test revealed that the SH glove could be self-healed and retained its chemical resistance ability close to its pre-cut value. Our findings suggested that the developed SH glove with proven chemical resistance capability could be a new suitable safety glove for effectively handling pesticides and reducing glove waste generation.
Keywords
Rubber gloves, Self-healing technology, Pesticides
Divisions
fac_med,nanocat
Funders
Advanced Engineering Platform, School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia,Universiti Malaya Impact Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant Programme [Grant No: IIRG002B-2021FNW],UMSC C.A.R.E Fund Research Grant [Grant No: PV044-2021]
Publication Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publisher
Nature Portfolio
Publisher Location
HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, BERLIN, 14197, GERMANY