Abstract: The present invention is directed to breathable elastomeric articles. The articles of the present invention may allow the transmission of water vapor while still providing an effective barrier to virus, bacteria, contaminants, bodily fluids, and the like. In general, a breathability additive may be incorporated into the polymer matrix of one or more layers of the elastomeric article to improve the breathability of the layer.

Abstract: An elastomeric article includes a substrate body formed from an elastomeric material. The substrate body has a first surface, and a donning layer overlying at least a portion of the first surface. The donning layer is formed from a modified vinyl acetate polymer.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of an elastomeric article is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a treatment, providing an elastomeric article with an exposed surface, placing the article and the substrate into a tumbling apparatus, and tumbling the article with the substrate so that the treatment is transferred from the substrate to the exposed surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastomeric article includes providing a former, coating the former with a coagulant composition including zinc stearate, dipping the former into a polymer composition including an elastomeric polymer and water, curing the elastomeric polymer at a temperature above the melting point of the zinc stearate, and removing the water from the polymer composition on the former to form the elastomeric article.

Abstract: An elastomeric article includes a substrate body formed from an elastomeric material. The substrate body has a first surface, and a donning layer overlying at least a portion of the first surface. The donning layer is formed from a modified vinyl acetate polymer.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of an elastomeric article is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a treatment, providing an elastomeric article with an exposed surface, placing the article and the substrate into a tumbling apparatus, and tumbling the article with the substrate so that the treatment is transferred from the substrate to the exposed surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of removing a rubber article from a former and producing a powder-free nitrile rubber article without the necessity of any post-stripping powder removal techniques. The process includes contacting a former with a powder-free coagulant composition and then contacting the former with a nitrile latex emulsion to form the matrix of the article on the former. The latex is then cured to form the rubber article on the former. After the rubber article is cured, the article is contacted with a bath, such as a hot water bath. The bath causes the nitrile rubber film to swell and break free of the former. The article may then be dried, cooled, and easily stripped from the former. In one embodiment, the powder-free rubber articles may be stripped and immediately packed for distribution with no further processing of the articles required.