Impact of Puncture and Stretch on Punctured Glove Barrier Performance.

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

The integrity of protective gloves is crucial for preventing exposure to biological fluids and hazardous chemicals in occupational settings. Glove materials such as natural rubber latex, synthetic nitrile, and vinyl are selected based on their distinct chemical and physical properties imparted during their manufacturing processes. For example, the unique elasticity of latex is a result of a vulcanization process that cross-links its polymer chains, while nitrile's strength and chemical resistance make it a popular synthetic alternative. While standard test methods, such as those from ASTM International, exist for evaluating barrier performance, they often do not fully replicate the physical stressors like puncture and stretching that gloves undergo during real-world use. This study builds on previous research (Soo et al., 2024) that developed a novel experimental technique using a domed screen to test the effect of biaxial stretching on glove barrier performance, finding that this stress can reduce glove thickness by 16% to 44% and provided a qualitative assessment (pass/fail) analysis of barrier performance that was limited by the detection sensitivity of the fluorescent challenge. The objective was to provide a more comprehensive, quantitative assessment of barrier performance of disposable medical gloves under both unpunctured and punctured conditions using a highly sensitive fluorometric technique to quantify any change in barrier integrity, including chemical penetration.

K. Jorgensen, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA.
R. Perez, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
J. Soo, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA 

K. Jorgensen, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA: Responsible for conducting the experimental portion of the study and performing data collection within the chemistry department.

R. Perez, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA: Served as a supervisor, providing direct guidance and expertise on developing and running the calibration curve for the spectrofluorometer.

J. Soo, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA: Acted as the principal investigator and primary supervisor, overseeing all phases of the research project from conception to conclusion. 

Exposure Assessment

Personal protective equipment

Risk assessment and management