A Guide to Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistance

Nitrile gloves are highly resistant to many chemicals, including certain acids and oils, making them popular for industrial and medical applications. They provide superior protection compared to latex gloves in specific scenarios.

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We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand what kinds of chemicals nitrile gloves can withstand.

This guide will cover evaluating nitrile gloves for chemical protection, detailing chemicals that nitrile gloves can resist and those they cannot. We'll also address some frequently asked questions to help you choose the right gloves for your needs.

For a quick reference, check out our resistance chart below — it can guide you towards the best nitrile gloves for various tasks.

Are Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistant?

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that's known for its excellent flexibility, puncture resistance, and chemical resistance. It's a preferred choice for handling various chemicals safely.

However, nitrile gloves are not universally safe. They may provide short-term protection against certain chemicals but may fail against others, risking user safety.

Understanding the chemical interaction between nitrile butadiene rubber and the materials you work with is crucial.

Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistance Evaluation Criteria

When testing chemical resistance, gloves are judged based on three main criteria:

Breakthrough Time

This measures how long it takes for a chemical to permeate the glove completely. A glove with an outstanding breakthrough time will last more than eight hours with one substance but could fail quicker against others.

Degradation

This evaluates the physical breakdown of the glove material upon exposure to a solvent. Nitrile gloves can swell, split, soften, or shrink depending on the chemical they contact.

Permeation Rate

This indicates how quickly a chemical moves through the glove material on a molecular level. Generally, thicker gloves have a lower permeation rate, providing longer protection.

What Chemicals Are Nitrile Gloves Resistant To?

A good-quality pair of nitrile gloves can withstand exposure to a wide range of substances:

• Fuels
• Petroleum products
• Vegetable oils
• Greases
• Some organic solvents
• Weak acids
• Weak caustics
• Household detergents

Always remember to dispose of gloves safely after exposure to any hazardous substance.

What Chemicals Do Nitrile Gloves Have Poor Resistance To?

Nitrile gloves are not suitable for handling several potent chemicals:

• Ketones
• Alcohols
• Halogenated hydrocarbons
• Aromatic hydrocarbons
• Esters
• Ethers
• Amines
• Strong acids

Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistance Chart

If you need to quickly check which gloves can handle specific chemicals, use our disposable gloves chemical resistance chart for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nitrile Gloves Acid Resistant?

Nitrile gloves are generally resistant to many weak acids, such as some nitric acids, phosphoric acids, and hydrochloric acids. However, they are not suitable for highly concentrated acids like 95% sulfuric acid.

Will Acetone Dissolve Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are not recommended for handling acetone, a type of ketone. Acetone will cause the gloves to deteriorate rapidly, with significant breakthrough within minutes.

How to Properly Remove Contaminated Gloves?

Proper glove removal is crucial to avoid exposing your skin to hazardous substances. Follow these steps:

1. Grab one glove near the wrist.
2. Peel it off, turning it inside out. Hold onto the removed glove.
3. Use your bare fingers to reach under the cuff of the remaining glove.
4. Peel off the second glove, ensuring it turns inside out, without touching its exterior.
5. Dispose of the gloves safely and wash your hands thoroughly.

How Do You Select Glove Size for Optimal Performance?

Selecting the right glove size is essential for protection and functionality. Gloves that are too tight may tear, while those too loose can be less effective and uncomfortable. Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing guide to ensure a proper fit.

What about thickness?

Glove thickness affects both protection and dexterity. Thicker gloves provide more chemical resistance and durability, while thinner gloves offer greater comfort and flexibility. Choose based on the specific requirements of your tasks.

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Standard nitrile gloves vary in thickness. Thicker gloves offer increased puncture resistance but may be less comfortable. Thinner gloves provide better dexterity at the cost of lower protection. Your choice should align with your specific needs.

The Bottom Line

The key to effective protection is choosing the right gloves for the chemicals you are handling. This guide and the accompanying chemical resistance chart will help you make informed decisions.

If nitrile gloves meet your needs, explore our selection of high-quality chemical-resistant gloves. With decades of experience, we offer top-notch nitrile gloves at competitive prices.