Industrial Coatings

Gloves

Optimizing Latex Glove Performance

Latex gloves are often critical for product quality control, workers’ safety, hygiene, and chemical protection. Waxes have a positive impact on latex glove manufacturing because of their water-resistance, malleability, and low melt viscosity. They can improve slip and lubrication, abrasion resistance, anti-blocking, and water repellency, all of which are critical properties in the production and performance of latex gloves. Michelman, an expert in producing water-based wax emulsions for latex gloves, offers solutions that improve the in-plant processing and service life of both natural and synthetic rubber gloves.

Wax Emulsions For Latex Gloves

Wax emulsions are useful at both the compounding and polymer dipping stages in the latex glove manufacturing process. Add paraffin or microcrystalline waxes in the compounding stage to improve release properties, tack resistance, and anti-blocking. Provide smoothness, abrasion resistance, and donnability by adding polyethylene, carnauba, or paraffin to the polymer coating formula in the polymer dipping or post treatment stage. Brands such as Michem® Emulsion, Michem® Lube, and Michem® Guard are beneficial for aiding in the processing and extending the shelf life of latex gloves

KEY BENEFITS

  • chemically inert and no reaction with latex
  • environmentally friendly and suitable for water-based systems
  • release aid for ease of stripping the glove from a form
  • COF reduction with improved donnability and abrasion resistance in a polymer coating
  • rub resistance
  • anti-blocking

Michelman Solutions for Latex Gloves

Product Manufacturing Stage Abrasion Resistance Anti-Block Anti-Tack Donnability Mold Release Availability
Michem® Emulsion 94340 Offline Processing       Global
Michem® Emulsion 71150 Latex Compounding       Americas
Michem® Emulsion 71152 Latex Compounding         Asia-Pacific
Michem® Guard 200 Polymer Coating       Americas
Michem® Guard 349 Polymer Coating       Asia-Pacific
Michem® Lube 124 Latex Compounding         Global
Michem® Lube 124P Latex Compounding         EMEA
Michem® Lube 135 Latex Compounding       Global
Michem® Lube 156 PFP Latex Compounding       Global
Michem® Lube 180 Latex Compounding     Asia-Pacific
Michem® Lube 985 Latex Compounding     Americas