Puncture evaluation of radiological gloves to assess use performance

Tensile testing of gloves is an accepted method for the qualification of a new glove material or the qualification of a production run. Most often these tests are performed in accordance to ASTM standards, i.e. - D412-98a Standard Test Methods (STM) for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension, Unfortunately for elastomers such protocols do not exist for puncture testing. There are however several test methods for the puncture resistance of Protective Clothing [F1342-91(1996)e2], Barrier FiIms and Laminates[F1306-90(1998)], and Coated Fabrics [D751-001]. Each of these standards uses different probe geometries and testing rates. Initial testing of the gloves has been performed using the standard one inch ball burst fixture as supplied by Instron. Samples tested using this fixture usually did not burst within the travel of the test fixture, except for lead lined hypalon. Three fixtures were fabricated in accordance to the aforementioned ASTM standards. Results for these fixtures for several materials will be reported along with the observed rate dependence.