For the workforce, working at industrial sites or work that involves risks of major or minor hand injuries, protective gloves are the most basic and necessary equipment to be included in their PPE kit. Hand protective gloves can be of different types, suitable for different work. Some are best for work that involves exposure to harmful chemicals and sharp surfaces, while others resist punctures and make it suitable to work in extreme temperatures.
While every workforce requirement may differ, some of the most used gloves for industrial workers are Nitrile and Dyneema gloves. But what exactly is the difference between nitrile and Dyneema® gloves, and which is best for your application?
What Are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves were first introduced in the 1980s and started gaining prominence in the 1990s. These gloves basically gained popularity as an alternative for those allergic to latex. Nitrile gloves have the highest resistance properties against chemicals and wear. And this is also one of the major reasons for its popularity.
Nitrile is basically the synthetic co-polymer formed by combining acrylonitrile and butadiene. This is a common misconception that nitrile gloves have latex in them. The main thought behind introducing nitrile gloves was for people allergic to latex. Though earlier these gloves were quite expensive, however, thanks to the advancements in technologies, nitrile gloves have not only become cost-efficient but also 3 times more puncture resistant than latex gloves.
These gloves are made of synthetic rubber, making them strong, durable and a good alternative for latex allergy issues. Nitrile gloves are quickly and significantly closing the gap with latex gloves, especially in the areas of comfort and dexterity. These gloves are the ideal choice for anyone dealing with hazardous chemicals, medical or biohazards, and are exceptionally resistant to puncture.
Nitrile gloves protect the user’s hands in many ways. The nitrile material protects hands from contamination and prevents the user from contaminating any objects or surfaces they touch. Nitrile is waterproof, resistant to grease, oil and, most importantly, chemical resistant to a variety of common substances.
WHAT ARE DYNEEMA® GLOVES?
Dyneema® is one of the strongest materials in the world. It is not surprising that this material is also known as a space-age fiber or space-age fabric. In fact, military forces are using Dyneema in making armor. The fishing industry is using Dyneema to make nets and ropes. After realizing its actual potential, now more than ever, it is being used by manufacturing companies for various protective gear and equipment.
DYNEEMA® IS AN ULTRA-HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE, STRONGEST AMONGST ANY THERMOPLASTIC, SUPERLIGHT FIBER, EXTREMELY DURABLE, WATERPROOF, RESISTANT TO CHEMICALS AND HARMFUL UV LIGHT.
Hand protective gloves made using Dyneema® fiber are highly cut-resistant, offer flexibility and are extremely lightweight. Some of the properties that make Dyneema® a preferred fiber for protective gear, are:
- Ultra-high strength/weight ratio (15 times stronger than steel, weight/weight ratio)
- Low elongation at breakpoint
- High resistance to UV rays
- Chemically inert
- Floats on the water
- Very flexible
- High energy absorption
- Odorless, tasteless, non-toxic.
- Self-lubricating, low friction
WHICH GLOVES ARE BEST FOR YOU?
Both nitrile and Dyneema® gloves have their own properties and usage in different industries. Nitrile gloves can be the best fit if you are looking for an alternative to latex gloves with better comfort levels and dexterity. If you are operating in medical and pharmaceutical industry, dealing with biohazards or hazardous chemicals, nitrile gloves can be the best for you. These gloves are also exceptionally puncture resistant and suitable for working in oily, greasy, or wet environments.
While on the other hand Dyneema® is heralded as a magical fiber; it is the strongest amongst all poly-plastics and has many other qualities like durability, flexibility, light weight, etc. If your working environment is exposed to sharp and abrasive conditions, or you are dealing with sharp machinery with a high risk of cut injuries or you are working under extreme temperatures, gloves made with Dyneema fiber will be the best choice for your workforce.
With more than 38 years of experience, operating in 55+ countries and a capacity of manufacturing 12 million pairs annually, Mallcom is one of the leading manufacturers of all types of hand protective gloves. Being India’s leading PPE brand, we have established ourselves as an integrated manufacturer and distributor for head to toe protection. All our products are certified after clearing stringent requirements and tests as per international rules and regulations.
