Towards understanding the mechanisms and the kinetics of nanoparticle penetration through protective gloves

[摘要] Parallel to the increased use of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) in the formulation of commercial products or in medicine, numerous health & safety agencies have recommended the application of the precautionary principle to handle ENP; namely, the recommendation to use protective gloves against chemicals. However, recent studies reveal the penetration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles through nitrile rubber protective gloves in conditions simulating occupational use. This project is designed to understand the links between the penetration of gold nanoparticles (nAu) through nitrile rubber protective gloves and the mechanical and physical behaviour of the elastomer material subjected to conditions simulating occupational use (i.e., mechanical deformations (MD) and sweat). Preliminary analyses show that nAu suspensions penetrate selected glove materials after exposure to prolonged (3 hours) dynamic deformations. Significant morphological changes are observed on the outer surface of the glove sample; namely, the number and the surface of the micropores on the surface increase. Moreover, nitrile rubber protective gloves are also shown to be sensitive to the action of nAu suspension and to the action of the saline solution used to simulate sweat (swelling).

[发布机构] École de Technologie Supérieure, 1100, Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal; QC; H3C 1K3, Canada^1;Dept. de Chimie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal; QC; H3C3J7, Canada^2;Dept. of Chem. Engineering, McGill University - 3610, rue University, QC, Montreal; H3A0C5, Canada^3

[关键词] Commercial products;Elastomer materials;Engineered nanoparticles;Mechanical deformation;Morphological changes;Precautionary principle;Preliminary analysis;Titanium dioxide nanoparticles