The material grade of nitrile gloves is primarily determined by factors such as raw material purity, physical performance, manufacturing process, and intended application. Common classification methods include:
1.By Raw Material Purity and Impurity Content
Industrial-Grade Nitrile Gloves
⦁Contain a relatively lower proportion of nitrile rubber (typically 60%–80%) and higher levels of fillers, plasticizers, and other additives, with greater impurity content (e.g., metal ions, residual monomers).
⦁Suitable for general industrial applications (e.g., machinery maintenance, cleaning) where basic abrasion and oil resistance are needed, but cleanliness and allergy risk control are not critical.
Medical/Food-Grade Nitrile Gloves
⦁Contain higher-purity nitrile rubber (≥80%), with strictly controlled types and amounts of additives, free from carcinogenic agents, and extremely low impurity levels (e.g., extractables, microbiological parameters in compliance with standards such as U.S. FDA and EU CE certification).
⦁Offer superior biocompatibility and a low allergy risk, suitable for high-hygiene applications such as medical examinations and food processing.
2.By Physical Performance Indicators
Standard-Strength Nitrile Gloves
⦁Typical tear resistance: 15–25 kN/m; tensile strength: 10–20 MPa; elongation: 400%–600%.
⦁Suitable for light-duty tasks (e.g., household chores, low-intensity industrial work).
High-Strength Nitrile Gloves
⦁Tear resistance ≥25 kN/m; tensile strength ≥20 MPa; elongation ≥600%.
⦁Some products achieve enhanced abrasion and puncture resistance through formulation optimization (e.g., increased crosslink density) or thicker designs, ideal for heavy-duty work in construction, automotive manufacturing, and chemical industries.
3.By Special Function and Processing Technology
Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves
⦁Manufactured through electronic finishing, chlorination, or other processes to remove powder, minimizing dust contamination and allergy risks. Higher material grade, often used in medical, electronics, and laboratory cleanroom settings.
Chemical-Resistant Nitrile Gloves
⦁Made with high-acrylonitrile-content nitrile rubber (30%–40% acrylonitrile; higher content improves oil resistance), offering greater resistance to organic solvents, acids, and alkalis. Classified as professional protective-grade material.
Anti-Static / Conductive Nitrile Gloves
⦁Formulated with anti-static agents or conductive materials; surface resistivity controlled to 10⁶–10¹¹ Ω (anti-static) or 10⁴–10⁶ Ω (conductive).
⦁Used in electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, and other precision applications sensitive to static discharge; material grade must meet anti-static standards such as ISO 14644.
4.By Industry Standards and Certifications
⦁Medical Standards (e.g., EN 455, ASTM D6319): Require microbial testing, cytotoxicity evaluation, and strict material-grade criteria to ensure safety in contact with the human body or medical devices.
⦁Food Contact Standards (e.g., FDA 21 CFR 177.2600): Prohibit harmful additives; require compliant migration resistance, suitable for direct contact with food.
⦁Industrial Protection Standards (e.g., EN 374, ANSI/ISEA 105): Focus on chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance, with performance levels (e.g., Level 1–5 abrasion grades) defined for various industrial needs.
