The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide based Hand Sanitizing Chemicals on the Physicomechanical Properties of the NBR Gloves

Authors

  • Aradhana Nilmini Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayawardenepura
  • Shirani Priyanka Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka
  • Renuka Nilmini Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayawardenepura
  • Susantha Siriwardene Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka
  • Gayan Priyadarshana Department of Materials and Mechanical Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayawardenepura

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the guidelines given by the World Health Organization (WHO), all industrial and examination gloves are subjected to disinfection globally using hand sanitizers. This may affect the physicomechanical properties of the gloves. However, limited data are available regarding the aforesaid issue. This research is focused on investigating the effect of hydrogen peroxide-based hand sanitizer formulations, recommended by WHO on the chemical and physicomechanical properties of NBR gloves. NBR gloves were exposed to sanitizing chemicals with different application frequencies for eight hours and the properties were evaluated after 48 hours. The results revealed that there is no significant effect of sanitizer formulation on the mechanical properties of NBR gloves such as tensile strength, tear resistance, elongation at break, modulus at 100%, and 300% even at high frequent applications. Physical properties such as discoloration, swelling, and leakages were also not affected by the application of sanitizers. Further, DSC and TGA test results revealed that there is no significant change in crystallinity and thermal properties between control and test samples. However, FT-IR analysis indicated a change in the chemical environment of the surface of the glove specimens. Since FT-IR is a surface analysis technique, it can be identified as the surface of the gloves has been affected by the exposure to sanitizer formulations. Nevertheless, the inadequate time for the hand sanitizing chemicals to be penetrated to the core of the gloves might result in unchanged physicomechanical properties within 48 hours. Knowing the fact that the examination gloves have a very short usage time, it can be concluded that the effect of hydrogen peroxide-based hand sanitizer formulations on NBR examination gloves is negligible. However, we highlight the importance of conducting further research for an extended period to evaluate the effect of the exposure on heavy-duty NBR gloves such as industrial gloves.

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Published

2022-03-04

How to Cite

Aradhana Nilmini, Shirani Priyanka, Renuka Nilmini, Susantha Siriwardene, & Gayan Priyadarshana. (2022). The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide based Hand Sanitizing Chemicals on the Physicomechanical Properties of the NBR Gloves. Advances in Technology, 1(3), 546–552. Retrieved from https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5397

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 3 (2021)

Section

Polymer Technology

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2022 Aradhana Nilmini, Shirani Priyanka, Renuka Nilmini, Susantha Siriwardene, Gayan Priyadarshana

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