Allegiance Corporation

Other

Ida Berger

Shiping Wang

Chii Yhi Low

Wei Cheong Wong

Seong Fong Chen

Yun-Siung Tony Yeh

Seon Fong Chen

An aqueous elastomer dispersion includes a dispersed phase and an aqueous phase. The dispersed phase includes an elastomer including curable aliphatic conjugated-diene elastomers, such as polyisoprene, and a minor amount of at least one additive. The aqueous phase includes water and other optional components in either a soluble state or a dispersion state. The aqueous elastomer dispersion may be prepared by dissolving an elastomer, such as rubber, and additives in a solvent mixture and then converting the resulting solution into an aqueous emulsion. The aqueous emulsion is concentrated and the solvent is stripped from it to yield a dilute latex. The dilute latex that is obtained is concentrated again. Articles made from the aqueous elastomer dispersion include medical gloves, condoms, probe covers, dental dams, finger cots, catheters and the like.

Water-based resin composition and articles made therefrom

The invention described herein includes a repellent elastomeric article with antimicrobial properties particularly useful in industrial and medical fields, such as gloves. The article contains an elastomeric base and a fluid-repellent coating composition that effectively repels both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids from its surface and inhibits cross-contamination of surfaces. Articles prepared in accordance with the invention reduce the risk of contamination associated with blood and other body fluids, as well as reduce fluid-based visual obstruction and enhance the clarity of medical procedures. The invention also provides a method of reducing the ability of fluids to adhere to the surface of an elastomeric article.

Repellent elastomeric article

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surface treatment for elastomeric articles such as medical gloves, comprising a water-based coating formulation and antimicrobial agent(s) embraced therein in an essentially powder-free composition coating. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a water-based coating formulation for elastomeric articles such as gloves comprising at least one non-volatile water-soluble antimicrobial agent in a controlled-release matrix comprising a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic component. The controlled-release matrix/blend requirements include: compatibility with the antimicrobial agent, formation of a reservoir of antimicrobial agent, coating film flexibility and lower water-solubility than the antimicrobial agent. A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for treating medical gloves comprising dipping, spraying, tumbling or other means for applying to the glove surface a composition to provide medical gloves with sustainable antimicrobial activity.

Elastomeric article with antimicrobial coating

The invention described herein includes a repellent elastomeric article particularly useful in industrial and medical fields, such as gloves. The article contains an elastomeric base and a fluid-repellent coating composition that effectively repels both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids from its surface. The coating comprises a low surface energy ingredient, such as a fluoroalkyl acrylic polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the low surface energy ingredient is in combination with a hydrophobic ingredient, such as a wax-based dispersion. Articles prepared in accordance with the invention reduce the risk of contamination associated with blood and other body fluids, as well as reduce fluid-based visual obstruction and enhance the clarity of medical procedures. The invention also provides a fluid-repellent coating composition for elastomeric articles, a process for preparing a fluid-repellent elastomeric article, and a method of reducing the ability of fluids to adhere to the surface of an elastomeric article.

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Buffalo Grove, IL, United States of America

Ida Berger