Permeation and degradation of gloves by chemicals

Consumer: Can you explain briefly the meaning of "permeation" and "degradation" when one talks about chemical resistance of gloves.

JohnWoon: Permeation is the penetration of a substance or chemical (i.e. the permeate) through a solid (e.g. film or sheet) through the following processes:

1) Sorption (at the interface): meaning chemicals are adsorbed at the surface of the film.

2) Diffusion (through the solid): meaning the "permeate" (i.e. the chemical) penetrates the film through molecular gaps and pores.

3) Desorption: The chemical leaves the solid at the other side of the film (as a gas if it is volatile). For glove testing, this is known as "breakthrough" and the time taken for this to take place is termed "breakthrough time".

The "degradation" of gloves after exposure to the chemicals refers to the loss of physical properties such as modulus and tensile strength.

For more in depth description of such test, please CLICK HERE.

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