Mark A. DeSorbo

AKRON, OH—A variety of thermoplastic polyurethane films from Deerfield Urethane Inc. (South Deerfield, MA) is enabling a young company to produce gloves for medical, laboratory, food service, cleanroom, electronic manufacturing and other related applications.

Deerfield, a Bayer Co., says its Dureflex elastomeric thermoplastic polyurethane monolithic film provides tactile feel, toughness, breathability, puncture resistance and low temperature flexibility for glove-maker Jurrius Manufacturing Co., which is doing business as Itsy Bitsy Glove Co.

Itsy Bitsy’s non-dipped urethane gloves can be used in cleanroom, medical, laboratory, food services and electronic manufacturing applications. Click here to enlarge image

“We’re not dipping gloves. We are making gloves out of films that can be heat-sealed, and we chose [Deerfield’s] film because it’s polyurethane and breathable,” says James Jurrius, Isty Bitsy’s president.

Unlike latex, the material used in the glove is non-allergenic and does not contain chemical plasticizers. Gloves are sealed with seaming technology developed by Jurrius that prevents pinholes from prolonged use. The gloves also resist punctures and abrasion, aiding in preventing chemicals and harmful bacteria from getting through.

“It lets the end-user wear the glove for long periods of time and it doesn’t contain any protein that can cause dermatitis,” Jurrius adds.

The proprietary seaming process, Jurrius explains, is possible because films meld when placed together, maintaining layer configuration throughout the seam, which is as strong or stronger than the polymeric-film and low profile. The material can also be used as a liner for other gloves, food packaging and wound dressings.

Although Jurrius could not divulge specifics, it is also developing chemical-resistant gloves for industrial applications.