Nowadays, rubber gloves are increasingly used in daily life, both natural rubber gloves and synthetic rubber gloves. You can observe this in various places, as many people are seen wearing rubber gloves for activities such as shopping, traveling on the skytrain, using public transportation, or walking in shopping malls. The current situation has led us to adapt and change our lifestyle accordingly.
So, are you curious about the differences between natural rubber gloves and synthetic rubber gloves? Today, Glovetex will clarify this for everyone.
Most of the rubber gloves we use or find in convenience stores fall into two main categories:
- Natural Rubber Gloves (Latex)
- Synthetic Rubber Gloves (Nitrile)
(For more details about the types of rubber gloves, click here) >> คลิก)
1. Different Materials
Although both types of gloves may have a similar surface texture, they are fundamentally different in terms of material and application. Natural rubber gloves are made from concentrated latex and contain certain chemicals to preserve their durability and prevent premature degradation. On the other hand, synthetic rubber gloves are produced from petroleum-based materials or nitrile rubber (NBR – Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), which offers excellent resistance to oil, fats, and various solvents. These gloves are commonly used in industries such as automotive parts manufacturing, printing, and food handling involving oils.
Summary: Natural rubber gloves are made from latex, while synthetic rubber gloves are made from petroleum-based materials or nitrile rubber.
2. Durability and Flexibility Differences
Natural rubber gloves, made from latex, offer high flexibility, making them snug and reducing hand fatigue. They are ideal for tasks requiring dexterity, such as electronic component assembly and handling small parts. In contrast, synthetic rubber gloves are up to three times stronger at the same thickness, providing superior resistance to tearing, abrasion, and chemicals, including oils. This makes them popular in industrial applications, where durability and extended usage are essential, thereby reducing material waste.
Summary: Natural rubber gloves are more flexible, while synthetic rubber gloves are more durable.
3. Allergic Reactions and Suitability
As we know, natural rubber gloves can come with or without powder. Powder is included in the manufacturing process to prevent the gloves from sticking together during packaging, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those sensitive to the powder. To avoid these issues, powder-free natural rubber gloves are available and are also safe for food contact. This is why many high-standard restaurants opt for powder-free gloves.
Summary: Natural rubber gloves may cause allergic reactions in some people due to protein sensitivity, while synthetic rubber gloves do not trigger protein allergies.
4. Price Differences
Price is one of the primary factors when choosing gloves. Natural rubber gloves are made from latex, which is readily available in Thailand, resulting in lower costs compared to synthetic rubber gloves, such as nitrile gloves, which are produced from petroleum and must be imported, making them more expensive.
Summary: Natural rubber gloves are cheaper than synthetic rubber (nitrile) gloves.
Suitability for Various Tasks
- Natural Rubber Gloves: Ideal for tasks that require dexterity and precision, such as surgical procedures.
- Nitrile Gloves: Suitable for tasks involving exposure to chemicals, industrial work, laboratory work with hazardous chemicals and toxins, food production, and tasks involving water and moisture. They are also a good alternative for those with latex allergies.
Given the different materials and properties of rubber gloves, it’s important to select the appropriate type for your specific tasks. Natural rubber and nitrile gloves each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Users should choose the type of glove that best fits their needs. For those with latex allergies, nitrile gloves provide a good alternative to minimize adverse reactions.
