.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png){kind=small}
Glove Properties
In order to determine whether or not our users would be willing to forgo nitrile gloves for our PVA gloves, we conducted extensive material testing. Properties tested include elasticity, puncture resistance, durability in different humidities, friction coefficient, recyclability, storage requirements, and much more. See below for results.
Elasticity
Stress vs. Strain curve, comparing PVA and nitrile samples of the same thickness
​
PVA has a higher tensile strength than nitrile, 4.38 MPa vs. 3.50 MPa. However, nitrile has a higher elongation of 246% when compared to PVA's 185%. This elongation value signifies the amount the material can stretch before breaking. To combat this lower elongation percentage, we conducted user testing to ensure that our glove was still just as easy to put on and take off.
Durability
How well the glove holds up in use over time​
​
From this testing, we found that the maximum usage time is around 7 hours. Since regular use of gloves in a Waste Management facility involves using the glove for much less time, this passes the durability requirement.
Recyclability
How well the glove holds up after being recycled multiple times​
​
For this test, we wanted to test how the elasticity of the glove changes after dissolving in solution and reforming, multiple times. Turns out that each time the glove is recycled, it loses an average of 6% elongation. This means that in order to keep the same properties through each cycle, we would need to add a certain percentage of fresh PVA into the solution (future direction).
Puncture Resistance
Measure of how easily the material can be punctured or torn
​
For a glove with 0.118 mm thickness, we were able to consistently demonstrate level 3 properties. Standard nitrile gloves are also level 3 on the ANSI scale.
Storage Humidity Requirement
Storage humidity that results in the optimal elasticity​
​
According to our test data, the optimal humidity for storing the PVA gloves is around 58%. Any lower or higher would result in a too stiff or too soft and sticky glove, respectively.
