During the 1990s, Nitrile was introduced as a material for disposable gloves of the third generation.
The first commercial production of Nitrile butadiene rubber began in the 1930s for such uses as tires and rubber seals. Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) was patented in 934 by German chemists Erich Konrad and Eduard Tschunkur. The first 100 percent nitrile disposable glove was created in 1991 by Neil Tillotson and Luc DeBecker. While nitrile gloves were slow to catch on in the medical community, they became the Next Big Thing.
It is highly recommended today as a disposable glove material because it is stronger than latex or vinyl, with the same fit, feel, and comfort as latex. Nitrile is three times more puncture-resistant than Latex, and it is also more abrasion-resistant and chemical-resistant. More than 76 percent of common chemical products can be handled with it. Oils, greases, gasoline, diesel fuel, and many acids.
The absence of organic latex proteins makes Nitrile suitable for latex allergies. That is an important consideration not only for those who are sensitive to latex but also for users who come into direct physical contact with the public, especially medical and dental professionals, security personnel, tattoo artists, and salon workers.
Nitrile gloves are widely used in automotive, manufacturing, janitorial, plumbing, paint shops, chemical, and industrial uses. Food processing applications are also well-suited for them.
Nitrile gloves are manufactured in industrial and exam grades. As body heat warms nitrile gloves, they conform to hands for a uniform, more comfortable fit. Despite being more expensive than other materials, Nitrile gloves are more durable and better suited to prolonged use. Nitrile gloves for industrial applications are typically thicker to handle more demanding applications. Nitrile gloves also have a longer shelf life than natural latex rubber.