Researchers at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) developed a novel protective glove coating using lignin, a renewable biopolymer, through 3D printing technology. This is another way towards the development of protection equipment that can use low carbon materials but still meet the strict standards of use in terms of durability and resistance.
Lifting the Bar on Protective Coating
For many years coatings on protective gloves have mostly been oil-based polysiloxane, nitrile rubber or polythene coatings. These coatings withstand abrasive wear and tear and offer waterproofing protection against chemicals and cuts. On the downside, these coatings are not biodegradable hence add to pollution when they wear out due to use. The new lignin coating solves this problem by offering similar performance but with less effect on the environment.
Lignin, An Eco-Friendly Material
Lignin, an organic polymer found in plant cell walls and produced as waste by the paper industry, has found an ideal application due to its water resistance and slow biodegradation. Its inherent properties make it well-suited for construction materials used in permanent structures, including coatings. Such internal distribution contributes significantly to ‘environment friendly’ coating biodegradable housing for ductile dismantling systems.
Cutting-edge Additive Manufacturing Techniques and Materials
The 3D printing technology is also beneficial in the manufacture of the glove coatings by enhancing the manufacturability and reducing wastage. The strategy also permits the personalization of gloves to meet the specific needs of target users leading to improvements in the level of comfort and the range of mobility.
Green and Highly Performing
The new glove coating obtained by the experts of DITF not only meets all the safety standards of the industry in respect of the PPE but complies with the principles of «green chemistry». These filler particles, made from lignin coatings are degradable while the oil-based coatings would have tradionally employed are non-degradable. This makes the gloves an effective greener solution to industries that offer protective wear to employees.
This study, as it describes, considers a very promising, but as yet little used, component of protective equipment: lignin, or rather, thermoplastic materials derived from it and available for powder 3D printing. it provides evidence of an ability to embed new materials into more traditional, performance-critical industrial products.
