INVESTIGATION OF DEXTERITY, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, AND BURNING BEHAVIOR OF PROTECTIVE GLOVES PRODUCED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE YARNS

Using protective gloves is the most efficient way to reduce accidents at workplace because hands are often exposed to injuries. To reduce weight and thickness and to improve the dexterity and protection from injuries, gloves are now being made from high performance yarns. In this study para-aramid, meta-aramid, and 95/5% meta-aramid/para-aramid yarns were used to manufacture protective gloves on a 13 Gauge glove knitting machine. Dexterity test was carried out as proposed in EN 420 standard and mechanical risks such as cut, puncture, tear and abrasion were determined according to EN 388. The burning behavior of the gloves was measured in accordance with EN ISO 15025. The results revealed that para-aramid gloves are offering the highest protective performance. The dexterity of all the gloves performed the highest level. It was observed that blending of 5% para-aramid fibers with meta-aramid fibers reduce shrinkage of the fabric and prevents the fabric break-opening during flame exposure as well as improving the cut, tear and puncture resistance of the gloves.