Vinyl
Vinyl gloves are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is naturally hard and brittle; plasticisers - typically phthalates such as DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) - are added to achieve the necessary flexibility.
Properties:
- Latex-free
- Lower manufacturing cost than nitrile
- Lower tensile strength: EN 455-2 requires minimum 3.6 N (vs. 6 N for nitrile/latex)
- Lower extensibility than nitrile and latex (elongation is not specified in EN 455-2)
- Lower barrier function against micro-organisms than nitrile
- Typically contains plasticisers (phthalates)
Plasticiser concerns:
- DEHP and other phthalates are classified as reprotoxic (SVHC under REACH)
- Phthalates in medical devices are increasingly restricted in the EU
- Phthalate-free vinyl formulations are possible but more costly
- Phthalate-free alternatives should be preferred for use with children and pregnant women
Vinyl gloves comply with EN 455 but with lower mechanical minimum requirements than nitrile.
Frequently asked questions
Why do vinyl gloves have lower tensile strength requirements than nitrile gloves?
Are plasticisers in vinyl gloves a health risk?
Phthalates such as DEHP are classified as reprotoxic and subject to REACH restrictions. Phthalates in single-use medical products are increasingly regulated. For sensitive patient groups (children, pregnant women), phthalate-free alternatives (nitrile, TPE) should be preferred.