Latex and Rubber: What’s the Difference?
Latex
Latex is a stable emulsion formed by polymer particles in a water medium. It usually comes from the sap of rubber trees and can also be synthesized, but it can also be made into synthetic latex (or latex). It is typically liquid and then solidifies into a solid product.
Rubber
Rubber is an elastic polymer material, a durable, waterproof, and elastic substance typically sourced from the latex of rubber trees or produced synthetically. Therefore, it has high elasticity and abrasion resistance. It is usually in finished form, or at least in solid intermediate form.
Natural Rubber vs Synthetic Rubber
The term “rubber” refers to materials made from natural or synthetic latex. It usually refers to finished products, but latex refers to the liquid; it is a stable emulsion of polymer particles in water. It can occur naturally or be artificially synthesized, ultimately becoming rubber products.
Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) refers to the latex extracted from Brazilian rubber trees or other rubber trees. This latex is released by tapping the bark of rubber trees, containing polymer particles and other components, which are processed and processed into rubber. Products processed differently have special characteristics. Today, the terms latex and rubber are used interchangeably, which is why we encounter confusion when searching for “latex vs. rubber”.
Both natural latex and synthetic latex are common materials for household and industrial products, existing in various forms suitable for their respective work scenarios, such as latex gloves, surgical equipment, tires, condoms, etc.
Nitrile Gloves
When people search for “gloves”, nitrile gloves related to latex rubber gloves will appear. Nitrile is different from latex and is a synthetic or “man-made” material composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and carboxylic acid monomers. This special composition means that nitrile gloves are the best alternative to latex gloves because they do not cause allergic reactions due to protein content, making them safe for those prone to latex allergies. Compared to natural rubber latex gloves, nitrile gloves are usually stronger, more puncture-resistant, and tear-resistant, providing stronger protection to prevent a range of hazards, including chemicals.
Why Choose Natural Rubber Latex Gloves?
Household latex gloves can be traced back to the early 20th century. With the increasing emphasis on personal hygiene and household cleanliness, latex gloves have become essential items for many households. However, the exact time when household-type latex gloves were born may be difficult to determine because their origins are not as well documented as medical latex gloves. Their emergence can be attributed to the increasing emphasis on personal hygiene and household cleanliness, as well as the demand for protective gloves.
For those who think they are allergic to latex, choosing low-protein latex gloves is a better choice. This is less likely to cause allergic reactions but still provides the dexterity, touch, and elasticity that latex gloves are known for.
Why Choose Synthetic Gloves?
Of course, the best alternative to latex gloves is products such as nitrile gloves, which have higher puncture resistance and tear protection than latex gloves, and can protect hands from a range of corrosive materials, acids, skin irritants, biological hazards, and avoid the harm of latex allergies, and have more sensitive, flexible, and comfortable touch.
Which Gloves Are Best for You?
Choosing the right gloves depends on several factors, including the scenario in which the gloves are used, comfort and safety, and price.
Latex Gloves
Latex gloves are widely considered the most comfortable glove type, providing a “second skin” feel, waterproof, chemical-resistant, dirt-resistant, keeping hands clean, hygienic, reducing cross-infection, antibacterial, and avoiding skin irritation. Compared to nitrile gloves, they are more flexible but less sturdy, and may lead to allergic reactions to latex.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are generally more robust, abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, and puncture-resistant, with good elasticity, resisting a variety of chemicals and irritants, including chemicals, acids, and pathogens, effectively preventing glove damage during work, and are the preferred choice for many hazardous workplaces.
Our series of nitrile gloves are outstanding in both raw material manufacturing and craftsmanship, making them comfortable to wear and suitable for long-term wearing. However, due to their higher material cost than latex or vinyl gloves, they are more expensive than the previous two types of gloves.
At Aibon, we have developed a comprehensive range of gloves for customers, no matter what industry or application you are in, there is always a glove suitable for you. If you still have questions about gloves or want to purchase gloves, you can contact us, and we will help you with all your glove selection needs.
How to Measure Glove Sizes – Source: AIBON
Latex gloves– Source: AIBON
Safety gloves– Source: AIBON
Working gloves– Source: AIBON