Enhanced Hydrophobicity of Polymers for Protective Gloves Achieved by Geometric, Chemical and Plasma—Surface Modification

Emilia Irzmańska, Mariusz Siciński, Aleksandra Smejda-Krzewicka, Agnieszka Adamus-Włodarczyk, Magdalena Makowicz and Tomasz Gozdek
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Emilia Irzmańska: Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, 16 Czerniakowska, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
Mariusz Siciński: Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, 16 Stefanowskiego, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
Aleksandra Smejda-Krzewicka: Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, 16 Stefanowskiego, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
Agnieszka Adamus-Włodarczyk: Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, 16 Czerniakowska, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
Magdalena Makowicz: Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, 16 Czerniakowska, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
Tomasz Gozdek: Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, 16 Stefanowskiego, 90-537 Lodz, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Gloves are one of the most important elements of personal protective equipment (PPE). To improve gloves properties, a lot of different methods of surface modifications are used. In this work, the application of geometric, chemical, and plasma surface modifications to improve the hydrophobicity of butyl (IIR) and silicone (MVQ) rubber are described. To characterise surface properties contact angle measurements, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. This study showed that when the chemical modification applied, the contact angle value increases compared to non-modified samples. In addition, plasma modification raised the contact angle value and smoothed the surface morphology. An increase in the polymer surfaces hydrophobicity was the observed effect of the three modifications of rubber.

Keywords: PPE; gloves; surfaces modification; hydrophobicity; polymers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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