Abstract:
An aqueous elastomer dispersion includes a dispersed phase and an aqueous phase. The dispersed phase includes an elastomer including curable aliphatic conjugated-diene elastomers, such as polyisoprene, and a minor amount of at least one additive. The aqueous phase includes water and other optional components in either a soluble state or a dispersion state. The aqueous elastomer dispersion may be prepared by dissolving an elastomer, such as rubber, and additives in a solvent mixture and then converting the resulting solution into an aqueous emulsion. The aqueous emulsion is concentrated and the solvent is stripped from it to yield a dilute latex. The dilute latex that is obtained is concentrated again. Articles made from the aqueous elastomer dispersion include medical gloves, condoms, probe covers, dental dams, finger cots, catheters and the like.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to methods of preparing antimicrobial elastomeric articles that include an elastomeric article having an antimicrobial coating provided thereon. The antimicrobial elastomeric articles exhibit enhanced ability to reduce or eliminate microbes that come in contact with the article. Certain aspects of the invention are further directed to methods of packaging the antimicrobial elastomeric articles, where the packaged antimicrobial articles exhibit antimicrobial effectiveness for an extended period of time as compared to unpackaged antimicrobial articles. Antimicrobial elastomeric articles and packaged antimicrobial elastomeric articles prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid “lotion” form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.
Abstract:
Methods for preparing copolymeric emulsions from at least one water soluble monomer and at least one water insoluble monomer are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more surfactants and stabilizers may be used. In some embodiments, the monomers used in the process include, by total monomer weight, at least 50% water soluble monomers and at least 10% water insoluble monomers. Copolymer emulsions formed from the reaction product of at least one water soluble monomer and at least one water insoluble monomer are also disclosed along with articles coated with such emulsions and coating formulations made from such emulsions as well as methods for the manufacture and coating of such articles.
Abstract:
The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid “lotion” form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.