Polyisoprene/polychloroprene compositions

Abstract

Polymer compositions that include polyisoprene and polychloroprene and methods for manufacturing protective articles from the polymer compositions are disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove comprising a diphenyl guanidine-free, cross-linked polymeric composition, the cross-linked polymeric composition comprising:
 a synthetic polyisoprene material;   a polychloroprene material;   at least one polysulphidic sulphur donor; and   at least one accelerator, wherein the glove comprises between 40% to 60% polyisoprene and 40% to 60% polychloroprene and is free from diphenyl guanidine, and wherein the glove has a softness as represented by an unaged modulus value at 500% of elongation in an amount of 1.9 to 2.5 M Pa.   
     
     
         22 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the glove comprises an aged modulus value at 500% elongation is in an amount from 2.4 to 3.0 MPa. 
     
     
         23 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the glove has a retained tensile strength of at least 95% after aging at 70° C. for at least seven days. 
     
     
         24 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the glove comprises approximately equal amounts of polyisoprene and polychloroprene. 
     
     
         25 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one polysulphidic sulphur donor is at least one of xanthogen polysulphide or dipentamethylene thiuramtetrasulfide. 
     
     
         26 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one accelerator is a dithiocarbamate, or a long chain thiuram. 
     
     
         27 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one accelerator comprises at least one of zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate, N-zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate, or sodium dibutyl dithiocarbamate. 
     
     
         28 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one accelerator comprises a dithiocarbamate, or a long chain thiuram. 
     
     
         29 . The soft, strong, hypo-allergenic glove of  claim 21 , wherein the glove is foamed. 
     
     
         30 . A glove comprising a diphenyl guanidine-free, cross-linked polymeric composition, the cross-linked polymeric composition comprising:
 a synthetic polyisoprene material;   a polychloroprene material;   at least one polysulphidic sulphur donor comprising at least one of xanthogen polysulphide or dipentamethylene thiuramtetrasulfide; and   at least one accelerator comprising at least one of zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate, zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate, or sodium dibutyl dithiocarbamate, wherein the composition comprises between 40% to 60% polyisoprene and 40% to 60% polychloroprene and is free from diphenyl guanidine, and wherein the glove comprises an unaged modulus value at 500% of elongation in an amount of 1.9 to 2.5 MPa.   
     
     
         31 . The glove of  claim 30 , wherein the glove comprises an aged modulus value at 500% elongation is in an amount from 2.4 to 3.0 MPa. 
     
     
         32 . The glove of  claim 30 , wherein the glove has a retained tensile strength of at least 95% after aging at 70° C. for at least seven days. 
     
     
         33 . The glove of  claim 30 , wherein the composition comprises approximately equal amounts of polyisoprene and polychloroprene. 
     
     
         34 . A polymeric, elastomeric, or latex composition, comprising:
 a polyisoprene material;   a polychloroprene material;   at least one polysulphidic sulphur donor comprising at least one of xanthogen polysulphide or dipentamethylene thiuramtetrasulfide; and   at least one accelerator comprising at least one of zinc dibutyl dithiocarbamate, zinc diethyl dithiocarbamate, or sodium dibutyl dithiocarbamate, wherein the composition comprises between 40% to 60% polyisoprene and 40% to 60% polychloroprene and is free from diphenyl guanidine.   
     
     
         35 . The polymeric, elastomeric, or latex composition, or  claim 34 , wherein the at least one polysulphidic sulphur donor comprises xanthogen polysulphide and dipentamethylene thiuramtetrasulfide. 
     
     
         36 . The polymeric, elastomeric, or latex composition, or  claim 34 , further comprising an activator and sulfur, wherein the at least one accelerator, activator, and sulfur are present in an amount of about 3.3 PHR. 
     
     
         37 . A glove, comprising the composition of  claim 34 . 
     
     
         38 . The glove of  claim 37 , wherein the glove has a retained tensile strength of at least 95% after aging at 70° C. for at least seven days. 
     
     
         39 . The glove of  claim 37 , wherein the glove comprises an unaged modulus value at 500% of elongation in an amount of 1.9 to 2.5 MPa. 
     
     
         40 . The glove of  claim 37 , wherein the glove comprises an aged modulus value at 500% elongation is in an amount from 2.4 to 3.0 MPa.