Determination of Nitrile Gloves Appropriate for Use When Dry Handling Art

ABSTRACT Nineteen brands of latex-free, powder-free, disposable nitrile glove were investigated for use when dry handling art. Results from a rub test, a modified Oddy test, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and ion chromatography (IC) were combined to identify gloves that caused the least damage to artificially aged metal coupons. The rub test involved repeated wiping of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and silver (Ag) coupons with donned gloves then visually assessing the result to look for evidence of deposited residues. Ten brands deposited residues. The modified Oddy test studied the impact of glove handling on evidence of coupon corrosion. Twelve glove brands instigated moderate to severe corrosion of the coupons during artificial aging. SEM-EDS data showed that deposited residues led to pitting and corrosion of coupon surfaces with the presence of chlorine and oxygen dominating corrosion sites. Larger amounts of chloride ions (Cl–) in gloves were affiliated generally with greater corrosion. Ansell Bioclean™ Biotac white cleanroom and Showa® 7500PF blue economy grade gloves deposited no visible residues, induced minimal corrosion, and showed lower anion contents relative to other gloves, making them the best brands tested here for dry handling art.