Publication: Optimization of post-curing process for accelerator-free carboxylate nitrile butadiene latex flims
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Date
2025-08-08
Authors
Lai, Fong Earn
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Abstract
The global demand for rubber gloves in healthcare and medical has risen due to hygiene awareness, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. However, conventional sulphur-crosslinked carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) gloves often contain allergens that are caused by accelerators, thus posing health risks, particularly Type IV hypersensitivity. This study aims to evaluate polycarbodiimide (PCDI) as a crosslinker to produce accelerator-free gloves, optimizing curing and post-curing parameters to enhance mechanical properties. The optimum conditions of XNBR latex films are subjected to post-curing processes including leaching and aging. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, tear and swelling tests. Results show that the mechanical properties of PCDI-XNBR latex films have exceeded the minimum requirement of the standards. The results were concluded with compound A(opt) [90℃ @ 10 minutes], compound B(opt) [110℃ @ 14 minutes], C(opt) [110℃ @ 14 minutes] and compound D(opt) [90℃ @ 18 minutes] as optimum parameters for each compound. Post-leaching from 60℃ to 70℃ improves the mechanical properties of XNBR latex films, with wet gel performed better than dry gel due to efficient removal of non-rubber particles. PCDI-XNBR is also thermally stable due to the high crosslink density from aging process. As a result, PCDI-XNBR latex films offered a hypoallergenic alternative with sufficient mechanical performance and met the industry standards. This study emphasizes on the efficient and low temperature curing for reducing the cost and environmental impact without affecting the mechanical performance of the films.