At KINGFA, we often receive questions from various industries: “Can these gloves be used universally?” Unfortunately, there is no single glove material that provides all-encompassing protection.

Advances in technology have allowed different glove materials to offer more specialized performance, tailored to different needs. Variations in raw materials, formulations, and production processes have made it possible for gloves to serve a wider range of purposes. However, the primary differences lie in the materials themselves, which influence the characteristics of the gloves, making them suitable for distinct applications.

Understanding the differences between glove materials is crucial for personal protection and safety. Whether you're a professional requiring hand protection or you're in the process of selecting protective gloves, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Nitrile (NBR)

Name: Disposable nitrile gloves

Personalized keywords: Soft, highly elastic, form-fitting, abrasion-resistant, puncture-resistant, oil-resistant, chemical-resistant, cost-effective

Basic information: Made from acrylonitrile and butadiene, with additional additives. The gloves are produced via impregnation and vulcanization.

Nitrile’s high polarity, strong intermolecular forces, and stable structure make it highly resistant to abrasion, ensuring durability for extended use. It is virtually insoluble in non-polar and weakly polar oils but has limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and strong oxidizing acids.

Performance rating (out of 5 stars):

1.Comfort: ★★★★☆ – Soft, elastic, light, and flexible

2.Chemical Protection: ★★★★☆ – Resists most chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and alcohols

3.Oil Resistance: ★★★★★ – Excellent oil resistance

4.Mechanical Protection: ★★★★☆ – Abrasion, puncture, and tear resistance

5.Antistatic: ★★★★★☆☆☆ – Sufficient antistatic properties

6.Aging Resistance: ★★★★☆ – Stable even after long-term storage

7.Allergenic Risk: Extremely low – Rare allergic reactions due to additives

Extra points: Nitrile gloves are available in various colors without compromising performance. They are non-toxic and are food-safe, making them ideal for the food industry.

Applicable Scenarios: Medical examinations, biopharmaceuticals, lab protection, electronics, and more. Nitrile gloves offer protection against chemicals, bodily fluids, sharp objects, water, and oil.

With its leading technological strength in the industry, KINGFA has the world's largest nitrile gloves monoblock factory, which is able to provide customers with many types of nitrile gloves. Relying on advanced production technology and innovative R&D capability, the company has built up a mature production chain of nitrile gloves, which are now widely used in the fields of medical, scientific research, electronics, food processing, etc., to meet the stringent requirements of different industries for protective performance and comfort.

Natural Rubber (NR)

Name: Disposable latex gloves

Keywords: Exceptional softness and elasticity, excellent fit and dexterity, eco-friendly, latex protein allergy risk, prone to aging

Basic information: Derived from the rubber tree, natural rubber gloves are made with additional additives and undergo impregnation and vulcanization molding.

Natural rubber's flexible molecular structure provides superior elasticity and softness, making these gloves particularly comfortable and well-suited for delicate tasks. However, the unsaturated double bonds in natural rubber make it susceptible to aging when exposed to light, heat, and ozone.

Performance rating (out of 5 stars):

1.Comfort: ★★★★★ – Best fit, dexterity, and comfort, ideal for precise tasks

2.Chemical Protection: ★★★★☆ – Effective against alkalis, weak acids, alcohols, and some organic solvents

3.Oil Resistance: ★☆☆☆☆ – Poor oil resistance

4.Mechanical Protection: ★★★★☆ – Good wear, puncture, and tear resistance

5.Electrical Insulation: ★★★★★☆☆☆ – Provides certain electrical insulation

6.Aging Resistance: ★★★☆☆ – Prone to softening or hardening over time due to exposure to light and heat

7.Allergenic Risk: Moderate – Contains proteins that may trigger latex allergies in some users (1.2% to 12.4% of healthcare workers are affected)

Extra points: Environmentally friendly with high biodegradability, making them favorable for sustainability-focused markets.

Applicable scenarios: Best for delicate tasks requiring flexibility and comfort, such as clinical surgeries and medical examinations. Natural rubber gloves also perform well in laboratory protection.

With superior protection and comfort, KINGFA gloves are designed for healthcare professionals and related industries to ensure a high level of protection when in contact with bodily fluids or in laboratory environments. The softness of the latex keeps them comfortable for extended periods of time and makes them suitable for sensitive skin. Excellent fit and tactile sensitivity allow for precise handling, while providing excellent tensile strength and tear resistance to ensure durability and dexterity of the gloves in use.

Polyethylene (PE)

Name: disposable PE gloves

Keywords: Lightweight, waterproof, breathable, non-toxic, odorless, basic protection, affordable, general durability

Basic information: Made from blown polyethylene film, molded by hot pressing.

PE gloves are thin, inelastic, and primarily offer basic barrier protection. They are less resistant to chemicals and mechanical damage compared to nitrile and natural rubber gloves

Performance Rating (out of 5 stars):

1.Comfort: ★★★☆☆ – Thin, loose fit, minimal elasticity

2.Chemical Protection: ★★★☆☆ – Provides limited resistance to some acids and bases

3.Oil Resistance: ★★★☆☆ – Moderate oil resistance; penetration occurs over time

4.Mechanical Protection: ★★★☆☆ – Basic protection against mechanical damage

5.Electrical Insulation: ★★★☆☆ – Offers some electrical insulation

6.Aging Resistance: ★★☆☆☆ – Easily oxidized and decomposed under light and heat

7.Allergenic Risk: Low – PE plastic is unlikely to cause allergic reactions

Extra points: Non-toxic and safe for food handling, offering excellent breathability compared to other materials.

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for low-risk tasks that require frequent glove changes, such as food preparation, beauty salons, simple medical exams, or as liners inside other gloves.

With superior materials and exquisite craftsmanship,KINGFA PE gloves provide higher safety. Complying with food contact grade standards, they ensure a more assured meal process. These gloves are smooth to the touch, fit the palm, flexible to operate, soft and comfortable, making every use feel more intimate. High-density thickened material, waterproof and unbreakable, strong durability, long time use still maintain excellent performance. The flow process and special texture design make the gloves anti-slip performance excellent and provide a more stable grip.

Disposable gloves are reinventing life. Gloves made of different materials have their own characteristics and are suitable for different working environments and protection needs. Different glove materials have distinct properties that suit specific needs. Nitrile gloves offer excellent protection against chemicals, oils, and punctures, making them ideal for industrial, medical, and laboratory environments. Natural rubber gloves, while offering unmatched comfort and flexibility, may pose allergy risks and are more prone to aging. Polyethylene gloves provide basic protection at a lower cost, with applications in food handling and low-risk medical scenarios.

When selecting gloves, consider your specific protection needs, the task at hand, and the comfort requirements. Each material has its strengths and limitations, so choose the right one based on the environment and level of protection required.