Carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)-based gloves are commonly used to protect users’ hands from the aggressive environment in various industrial applications. Permeation resistance and mechanical properties of gloves should be simultaneously considered to accomplish adequate protection. Accordingly, in this study, XNBR was reinforced with different amounts of nanoclay and the resulting dispersion was examined using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that, nanoclay has been appropriately dispersed in XNBR lattice and therefore, considerable enhancements in mechanical properties, including tensile strength and modulus were gained. The permeation resistance of the synthesized nanocomposites was studied by two solvents, including perchlorethylene and aniline with low and high affinity to XNBR, respectively. Using permeation test cell, parameters of breakthrough time (BT) and steady-state permeation rate (SSPR) were determined. The BT and SSPR of aniline in nanocomposites with 3 phr nanoclay in comparison with neat polymer were increased 89% and decreased by 11%, respectively. Degradation resistance test of nanocomposite demonstrated acceptable integrity of its barrier properties after repeated exposure to selected chemicals. Analysis of mechanical properties and permeation indices of synthesized nanocomposites illustrated that the application of these materials for manufacturing protective gloves seems promising.

Background and purpose: Many workers are exposed to workplace hazards. Many occupational diseases are preventable by personal protective devices (PPDs). Though many workers do not use PPDs or their protection by PPDs is not sufficient. This study was designed to assess the quality of PPDs usage among industrial workers.Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 648 workers from four main industries (tile and ceramic, metal, textile, and chemical) were evaluated for PPDs use. The quality of appropriate PPDs was defined according to the workplace exposures, available PPDs, and time of exposure. The reasons for non-usage of PPDs were evaluated as well. Data were analyzed by SPSS using chi-square test.Results: On average, 56.8%, 69.6%, and 61.6% of workers were exposed to noise, and respiratory and dermal exposures, respectively. From the workers who needed PPDs, 77.8%, 26.3%, and 21% used gloves, respirators and hearing protection devices, respectively. The most frequent reason for non-usage was discomfort while wearing PPDs.Conclusion: This study showed an unsatisfactory situation in the industries for PPDs usage: Low compliance rate, inadequate training programs, and low quality of usage.

Introduction: The composite resin bond strength to the enamel can be affected by contamination with various agents. Protective gloves are one of the factors which can cause contamination and disruption of the composite resin bond strength to the tooth structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded with composite resin to enamel after contamination with powderless latex and nitrile gloves. Materials & Methods: A total of 208 orthodontic brackets were bonded on the mesial and distal of 104 intact extracted premolar teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into latex and nitrile groups. Each group was divided into test and control subgroups. In the test groups, the composite resin was placed with latex or nitrile gloves, and in the control group without contact with the gloves on the bracket base. The SBS of the samples was measured in a compressive test machine at a strain rate of 0. 5 mm/min. The data were analyzed by independent t-test. The significance level was set at p<0. 05. Results: There was no significant difference in SBS between the latex and nitrile subgroups with or without gloves. There was no significant difference between the latex and nitrile groups and their control groups. Conclusion: The use of powder-free latex gloves and nitrile gloves does not affect the SBS of composite resins,therefore, they are recommended for dental procedures.