In laboratories, chemical industries, and medical settings, the core of hand protection lies in the material’s resistance to chemicals. With their unique molecular structure and stable physical properties, nitrile gloves have become the top choice for environments requiring resistance to chemical corrosion.

01 Where Does Nitrile’s Chemical Resistance Come From?

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber compound of acrylonitrile and butadiene. The cyano groups in the molecule have strong polarity, forming a dense polymer network. This structure provides nitrile gloves with excellent barrier protection against non-polar substances (such as oils and fuels) and weakly polar chemicals (such as acids and bases), while also delivering high tear resistance.

By contrast:

• Latex gloves are effective in the short term against water-based solutions (such as diluted acids and bases) but deteriorate quickly when exposed to oils or oxidizing chemicals.

• Vinyl gloves are cost-effective but offer the weakest chemical resistance. Plasticizers added during production can be leached out when in contact with organic solvents, making them suitable only for low-risk tasks such as cleaning.

Standards for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Nitrile Gloves

• Degradation：When gloves are exposed to chemicals, they may swell, crack, soften, or shrink — physical changes that indicate material breakdown. The degradation rate of nitrile varies with different chemicals: some substances allow the gloves to maintain protection for several hours, while others can cause swelling or failure in a short time.

• Breakthrough Time：The time it takes for a chemical to permeate from the outer surface of the glove to the inside. A breakthrough time of more than eight hours generally indicates strong protective performance. Different chemicals have different breakthrough requirements, so glove selection must match the specific chemicals being handled.

• Permeation Rate：The rate at which a chemical passes through the glove material once breakthrough has occurred. Generally, the thicker the glove, the lower the permeation rate and the better the protection. However, excessive thickness can affect dexterity, so a balance between protection and flexibility is essential.

02 How to Select the Right Chemical-Resistant Nitrile Gloves?

Assess Workplace Requirements

Different workplaces have different requirements for gloves. Consider the type of chemicals, duration of exposure, and application scenario:

• Laboratory environments often involve small quantities of strong acids or biohazards. Medium-thickness gloves with high tactile sensitivity are more suitable.

• Industrial or maintenance work often involves prolonged contact with oils, solvents, and other chemicals. Thicker gloves with enhanced grip offer better safety.

No glove can resist all chemicals. Always identify the specific substances you will handle and choose gloves that match your work environment. According to EN ISO 374 testing, KINGFA Medical’s high-performance nitrile gloves offer strong protection against a wide range of typical hazardous chemicals.

Certification and Standards

Certification is the key benchmark for evaluating protective performance. A compliant glove standard not only defines basic safety requirements but also verifies real-world protection through rigorous testing. For chemical-handling tasks, choosing gloves that meet international certification standards is the first step in ensuring worker safety.

The EN ISO 374 series is the benchmark for chemical protective gloves, covering chemical resistance, physical performance, and durability in comprehensive testing. KINGFA chemical-resistant nitrile gloves are EN ISO 374 Type B certified, providing long-lasting protection against multiple hazardous chemicals. They also meet the EN ISO 374-5 standard for virus penetration resistance, effectively preventing fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These achievements reflect leading global standards in material safety, manufacturing processes, and protective performance.

Mechanical Performance

Mechanical properties are critical in evaluating the durability and usability of protective gloves:

• Abrasion resistance determines lifespan in friction-heavy environments.

• Tear resistance ensures the glove won’t easily rupture during heavy-duty use.

• Flexibility directly impacts dexterity and wearing comfort.

KINGFA chemical-resistant nitrile gloves strike the perfect balance through proprietary manufacturing:

• Abrasion resistance: up to 2,000 cycles (vs. 500 for standard nitrile gloves)

• Elongation at break: 600%

• Tensile strength: 25 MPa

This “strength-meets-flexibility” design enables the gloves to resist both mechanical wear and chemical corrosion while supporting precision operations — achieving a true balance of protection and dexterity.