Granberg - Materials

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

YOUR MOST
VALUABLE TOOLS.

Our hands are complicated and versatile, capable of doing everything from grasping large objects to performing delicate microsurgery. They are our most important tools to touch, feel, communicate, and even protect the rest of our body – yet they’re prone to injuries, particularly when working in dangerous environments. Make sure you protect your most valuable tools in the best possible way.

MATERIALS

Using a suitable material is key to a comfortable glove. That’s a no-brainer. Choosing the correct material to achieve maximum protection is crucial – and depends on the work or activities performed when wearing the gloves. For us, this is the most fun part of the product design, considering it requires deep knowledge, careful consideration, and a lot of testing.

Read more about the different materials and their unique properties.

NATURAL MATERIALS

Bamboo is a natural fibre made from an herbaceous plant. It is soft, velvety, and slightly glossy. Bamboo fibre retains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties even after many washes. These anti-microbial properties reduce or remove the unpleasant odours that can develop when wearing other gloves. Bamboo is an ecologically sound crop since no pesticides are used in its cultivation. Bamboo fibre can absorb moisture 3-4 times faster than cotton and dries twice as fast. This amazing natural fibre is nonirritant to the skin, so Bamboo gloves are an essential alternative for people who suffer from allergies and sensitive skin conditions.

Cotton (CO) comes from a plant and is processed into yarns, suitable for soft, air-permeable textile production. Woven or knitted cotton textile features great moisture absorption and is easy to wash. It does not acquire electric charge and maintains its features up until 150°C. Because of this, it is perfectly suitable for clothing that is in direct contact with the skin. The recommended washing temperature of cotton textiles is up to 60°C. Cotton is often mixed with different synthetic yarns, especially polyester and polyamide, which ensure the durability and longevity of the fabric. Cotton fibres are not elastic, which is why they are often also mixed with elastane.

Latex is an elastic and highly durable material made from rubber tree sap. Rubber is elastic because of its macromolecules forming spirals. The molecules elongate when stretched and coil back into spirals when released. This specific feature enables latex to adapt naturally to different hand shapes. It is very elastic (elongation limit 750%) and has a long life span. Latex provides good protection against many alkaline solutions and detergents. Latex is very durable and tear-resistant, but it can be punctured easily with sharp objects. The major drawback of latex is its composition, which includes proteins and chemical allergens, and thus may induce an allergic response in some individuals.

Leather is durable, pliable, supple, and has exceptional breathability properties. It can absorb moisture, meaning a leather glove rarely feels moist but is perceived as dry and comfortable.

Chromium (VI) is added during the tanning process to soften the leather. This can cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, an upper limit is specified for leather gloves' Chromium (VI) content. EN 420 specifies this limit as max. 3 mg/kg Chromium (VI).

Split and Grain Leather – What's the Difference?

The properties of hide vary, depending on which part of the animal the hide comes from. The hide from the sides forms split leather, which has the highest durability. Although very strong, the hide from the shoulders is less durable than side split leather, forming grain leather.

Grain/Nappa Leather
Grain/Nappa leather (or Napa leather) is made from the hide's smooth surface. It is durable, supple, sensitive, and moisture-absorbing. It is an excellent choice when there are high requirements for dexterity, e.g. assembly gloves.

Split/Suede Leather
Split/suede leather has a rougher surface than grain leather. It comes in a number of thicknesses and is heat resistant. Split leather is highly suitable for work gloves designed for rough handling or welding gloves, which must withstand high temperatures and sparks.

Goatskin

This leather features a detailed and embossed grain appearance, i.e. beautiful natural leather surface patterns. Goatskin is distinguished by its suppleness, low thickness, and relatively high durability. The grain layer of some leather types, including goatskin, is slightly polished and looks beautiful while being lightweight and elastic.

Pig Grain

Pig grain leather differs from the other types. Its grain layer features creasing, random, and large bristle pores as well as a slightly rougher general grain pattern. Bristles start growing in deep skin layers beneath the hide, therefore pig grain has many little channels throughout its surface, increasing the membrane's water permeability and causing some maceration. The leather thickness is slightly uneven. This leather has low wear, low elasticity, and relatively high durability.

Cow Grain

Cow grain leather features a good appearance, suppleness, and a tender and even surface. It has a fine grain pattern and relatively even thickness throughout the surface. Cow grain leather is very strong. It differs from calf leather by its grain pattern, which is slightly rougher with greater thickness and increased rigidity. Cow grain has low water permeability and maceration compared to pig grain.

Cow Split

Cow split is leather with a fluffy surface. The fluffiness is achieved by polishing the inner surface. Cow split leather is less durable than cow grain leather due to the polishing. However, cow split leather has excellent thickness consistency throughout the surface. It is soft, supple, and tender with favourable physical and mechanical properties. The cow split surface includes small, funnel-like bristle pores that are almost invisible as they are covered by longer fuzz. Cow split leather has significantly lower water permeability and maceration than pig grain.

Leather is durable, pliable, supple, and has exceptional breathability properties. It can absorb moisture, meaning a leather glove rarely feels moist but is perceived as dry and comfortable.

Split and Grain Leather – What's the Difference?

Goatskin

Pig Grain

Cow Grain

Cow Split

SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Acrylic fibre is a synthetic fibre that contains at least 85% of acrylonitrile. It is flexible and resistant to moths, petrol, chemical products, and direct sunlight. Acrylic fibre is usually used for knitted textiles, e.g. fleece wear, sports and children's garments.

Polyamide is a synthetic fibre highly resistant to friction (about 10 times greater than cotton and 20 times more than wool). The polyamide fibre is very stretchy and static charge-resistant. It is lightweight, almost impermeable to water, non-creasing, and durable. Polyamide is not flame-resistant and melts when burning. Thus, it is often mixed with natural fibres, increasing their durability and life. Non-rinsing products should be used for washing. The most popular type of polyamide is nylon.

Polyester (PES) is a widely used synthetic heterochain polymer produced from petrol. This fibre is friction-resistant, almost wrinkle-free, durable, and does not absorb moisture, expediting the drying process. Polyester is often mixed with wool, cotton, or linen to increase durability, softness, and glossiness—and to reduce the creasing of woven or knitted fabrics. Polyester products do not require special maintenance. However, clothing with high polyester content must be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.

PE
PE - polyethylene (polythene) is a thermoplastic, elastic, and nontoxic polymer. It features high flame resistance and burns without soot when ignited. It is not soluble in normal solvents at room temperature. It is chemically resistant to acids, alkalis, and salt solutions and is lightly permeable. Polyethylene's main features are its density and melting index. When the density increases, the impact resistance and transparency decrease, and there is a rise in melting temperature, density, strength, chemical resistance, and impermeability to gas and odour. When the polyethylene melting index decreases, its recyclability is impaired. However, it features better resistance to impact, chemicals, and wearing while enhancing sliding performance. The following modifications are made to improve polyethylene's characteristics:

LDPE
LDPE - low-density polyethylene (density 910 - 925 kg/m3) without extra polymerization. This polyethylene is viscous and soft.

MDPE
MDPE - medium density polyethylene (density 925 - 940 kg/m3) that combines the favoured characteristics of LDPE and HDPE.

HDPE
HDPE - high density polyethylene (density 940 - 970 kg/m3). It is one of the most practical and cheapest materials. It is highly solid and durable but has less elasticity than other polyethylenes.

Polypropylene (PP) is more durable and more temperature-resistant than polyethylene. Polypropylene density is one of the lowest (approx. 0.9 g/cm3) of all plastics. The maximum polypropylene usage temperature is 120-140°C. All polypropylene products can be sterilized repeatedly by vapour or boiling as this does not influence their shape or mechanical features. PP surpasses PE by its heat resistance features, but it is less cold-resistant and becomes brittle at -5°C. Thus, PP manufacturers add special additives to increase its resistance to low temperatures.

Polyurethane (PU) is a thermoplastic elastomer. It is a highly elastic material with good anti-friction characteristics. Glove palms coated with solid polyurethane are thin, straight, and flexible. The palms coated with polyurethane microfoam are soft, water-resistant, and lubricant-resistant. Polyurethane microfoam is air permeable; therefore, hands remain cool and dry. Polyurethane microfoam is flexible with great adhesion in dry environments.

ProTex® is a polyurethane membrane consisting of numerous micropores smaller than a drop of water but bigger than a molecule of moisture vapour. The membrane structure prevents water drops from entering, yet sweat can easily evaporate from the glove. This process results in a non-permeable, wind-resistant, and "breathable" membrane.

PVC is polyvinyl chloride produced from oil and table salt. The PVC flexibility-rigidity scale is extensive; thus, it can be extruded, rolled, and sprayed. It is a highly durable material resistant to acids, alkalis, and alcohol. It can also acquire any desired colour. This polymer, with good chemical resistance, features a low flammability class and good UV resistance. It is widely used in working glove production.

Spandex® is an elastomeric fibre (elastane) standardized in the USA. According to ISO standards, this fibre is called elastane.

Typhoon® is an extremely strong (yield strength) fibre combination characterised by the highest level of cut resistance. Thanks to the applied technological solutions, the fibre combination consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, glass fibre, and elastane. The yarn is elastic and characterised by air permeability and resistance to moisture. Typhoon® is light, 10 to 15 times stronger than steel (per unit weight) and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibres.

Vinyl is not as durable and elastic as latex or nitrile. It can tear more easily, has an unpleasant odour, and can be punctured easily. Vinyl is more obtainable and less expensive than latex and nitrile. Vinyl gloves do not fit snugly around the wrist and do not protect sufficiently against liquid penetration if the material is stretched. Their low elasticity limits their comfortability and snug fit on the hand. Vinyl does not contain natural rubber proteins or chemical accelerators and is the most skin-friendly material available. Vinyl gloves are an economical choice for tasks that do not require high-touch precision. Vinyl is perfect for low-risk activities.

Water-based polyurethane (PU) is polyurethane without a DMF (dimethylformamide) solvent. It is commonly used for the coating of gloves. Water-based PU features more rapid environmental degradation than traditional PU with a DMF solvent.

Nylon is a synthetic fibre that is stretchy, durable, and highly resistant to wear and chemical reagents. It features better moisture absorption properties than other synthetic materials. Nylon is sensitive to sunlight and acquires a yellowish hue; thus, it is often mixed with other fibres.

Elastane (EL) is a synthetic elastic fibre with at least 85% polyurethane content. Stretched to up to three times its length, it returns to its original size after the stretching force is removed. Single and multifilament yarns are used as a component of various blended yarns. Yarns containing elastane fibres provide high elasticity in polyester, nylon, cotton, or other fibres. Clothes made of them are comfortable and fit well to the body.

EVA is ethylene-vinyl acetate, a copolymer of ethylene and small amounts of vinyl acetate (up to 6%). EVA is attributed to high-pressure polyethylene (or polythene) group materials. Its elasticity is proportionally increased if it contains a higher percentage of vinyl acetate. This material is highly water and gas-resistant.

Kevlar® is a highly durable, flexible, and relatively lightweight para-aramid fibre. It is heat-resistant up to 370°C, and its tensile resistance is five times higher than steel. This fibre is non-flammable and highly cut-resistant. The yarn made of this fibre is suitable for woven and knitted fabric productions and technical textiles. It is widely used to produce bulletproof vests, military or firefighter clothing and cut-resistant gloves. Usually, the yarn of Kevlar® fibre is for sewing heat-resistant gloves.

Kozane® is an innovative range of high-performance fabrics with high cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance, yet soft and flexible. Mainly used for manufacturing protective clothing and gloves, the Kozane® range protects the wearer against cuts and lacerations.

KR-Grip® is a fabric with a strong grip. The special surface structure of PVC enables the expulsion of moisture when working in wet conditions and guarantees good fabric flexibility. The core of KR-Grip® is a strong, soft and wrinkle-resistant knitted fabric made from polyester and cotton.

Lycra® is a DuPont™ trademark describing elastane (EL) without latex or natural rubber (e.g. elastane of other trademarks, which may contain some per cent of latex).

MacroSkin Pro® is a mechanically strong and highly elastic material. It is also soft and thin, while its surface is smooth and pleasant to touch. The fabric structure consists of nylon and polyester, improving abrasion resistance, guaranteeing wrinkle resistance and inducing fast moisture release. These qualities make this fabric viable for glove production for various purposes.

MicroSkin Shield® is an exceptionally elastic fabric with good anti-friction capability, the core of which consists of an exceptionally strong abrasion-resistant and water-repellent polyester yarn. The microstructure pattern's polyurethane coating guarantees flexibility and a perfect grip on various surfaces; it also improves resistance to water and grease.

Neoprene is synthetic chloroprene rubber. It is non-flammable, more durable than natural rubber, and is oil and solvent-resistant. Neoprene features both good chemical stability and elasticity within a wide temperature range. This material contains millions of pores (air gaps) where air is heated to human body temperature. Thus, it has good heat protective capabilities. The thicker the neoprene, the better the thermal protection feature. It is often used for glove cuffs and the production of cold and moisture-resistant gloves.

Nitrile is a synthetic acrylonitrile and butadiene polymer. Nitrile gloves were made for the growing group of people who developed allergies to latex gloves. However, nitrile has more advantages than being made of synthetic rubber, which is not an allergen. Nitrile gloves are durable. The nitrile glove is 3 times more puncture-resistant than latex or vinyl. After improved production processes, the characteristics of nitrile gloves can be closely compared to their latex counterparts in terms of comfortability, elasticity (elongation limit 500%), and adaptability to hand shape. Nitrile gloves are widely used in machine repair shops and households with direct contact with lubricants, automotive petrol or other chemicals. Nitrile gloves are suitable for use at high temperatures; however, they should be stored at low temperatures in a dry and dark place. Nitrile is not as "sticky" as latex, and most people do not have problems putting on and removing gloves. However, nitrile is not as elastic as latex. Therefore, it is imperative to choose the correct glove size.

Non-woven polypropylene fabric is made of very thin plastic (polypropylene) fibres. Non-woven polypropylene is a practical fabric because it is highly durable, soft, lightweight, and cheap. This fabric is easily recyclable after use. It is often used to produce surgical masks and gowns.