How Are Latex Rubber Gloves Made?

Introduction

Latex gloves are one of the most important supplies that are used by industries throughout the world. Whether it be a nurse in a hospital or a cook in a cafeteria, latex gloves help keep us clean and safe from infections and other substances that could harm us.

What Is Latex?

Latex is a common product that comes from rubber trees. When the rubber trees bark is shaved, the tree naturally oozes the product that is processed into usable latex. Since latex is a protective measure of the tree and hardens soon after it is released, special chemicals are added to the latex to keep it in a pliable state.

Forms

Latex gloves start with the form of a hand. This form varies in size dependent on the size of the finished glove. The latex is placed in a large container and combined with substituted phenols. These phenols help to keep the latex from degrading and give it added strength. Other chemicals may also be added to the mixture depending on the company making the gloves. The latex is heated up, and the form is dipped into the liquid latex. When the form is removed it is covered in a thin layer of the latex solution and left to harden.

Finishing Process

Once the latex has hardened around the hand form, it goes through a rinsing process. This process helps to leach out any remaining residue of protein (since latex is a natural product from a living tree) and chemicals that may be left on the glove. The glove is then removed from the mold, leaving the perfect shape of a hand. The gloves are sterilized, packaged and then shipped all over the United States and the world.