The invention is the manipulation of the zinc oxide content and sulfur
content of nitrile butadiene rubbers and selected vulcanization
conditions that can be achieved economically with common production
facilities. The manipulation of these components affects the relaxation
property of gloves formed by this material. Produced are gloves that have
a relaxation property, higher than 50%, and a low modulus (approximately
3 Mpa). The glove maintains decent ultimate tensile strength (>20 Mpa)
and elongation (>500%). The glove is produced by a vulcanization
process, which lasts from 5 to 60 minutes at temperatures ranging from
300.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. The tensile strength and elongation are
well above the ASTM requirements for medical gloves. The current ASTM
requirements are ASTM D412-92. Thanks to sufficient vulcanization, the
films produced provide satisfactory protection from viral penetration.
The tearing strength is also better because of the lower modulus.