# Swelling of Elastomers in Solutions ofTiO2 Nanoparticles

Authors: Ludwig Vinches; Gérald Perron; Patricia Dolez; Kevin J. Wilkinson; Stéphane Hallé
Journal: ISRN Polymer Science
 (2012)

---

## Abstract

Elastomers used in protective gloves can be sensitive to the action of solvents used to disperse commercial solutions of nanoparticles. These effects may include the swelling of the polymer, leading to a modification of its mechanical and chemical properties. Modifications to the properties of the polymer will impact the protection provided by the protective gloves. The goal of this work was therefore to study the swelling of several elastomers when exposed to commercial solutions of nanoparticles. The study involved four elastomers and three commercial solutions of colloidal titanium dioxide (TiO2). Swelling was assessed by measurements of mass gain and length change. Tests were also performed with technical and ultrapure solvents corresponding to the liquid carriers. The solutions had a significant effect on the swelling of nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene. A large mass gain was recorded for short immersion times, indicating a possible penetration of the nanoparticle liquid carrier into these elastomers. Length change measurements revealed a swelling anisotropy effect with nitrile rubber and latex in the solutions of colloidal TiO2. No effect was measured with butyl rubber. The results show that great care must be taken when selecting protective gloves for the handling of nanoparticle dispersions.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are now manufactured and used in several commercial products such as paints, varnishes, and sunscreens [1, 2]. If their use seems inevitable, more and more studies are signaling that they may have harmful effects on health, especially for workers and researchers. Indeed, studies conducted on rats and mice that were exposed by intratracheal instillation to either 250 nm TiO2 and 20 nm nTiO2 reported an inflammatory response [3–5] that was higher for the nTiO2. Another study showed a small increase in the number of cancers found among workers who were in contact with nTiO2 [6]. According to these results, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified titanium dioxide in 2B-group as possibly carcinogenic to humans [7]. This has led several government agencies to recommend application of the precautionary principle [8, 9]. This includes the use of protective gloves against chemicals, even if no thorough scientific validation of their efficiency has been made, under conditions relevant to the use of nanomaterials under a typical occupational setting.Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are manufactured and distributed in several forms, which include powders and colloidal solutions. In fact, for safety purposes, an increasing number of manufacturers favour the distribution of nanoparticles in solution in order to limit the risks due to aerosolization and inhalation [10]. However, the elastomers used in protective gloves can be sensitive to solvents and they may sustain significant swelling as well as degradation [11, 12]. The level of the effect depends on numerous parameters including the formulation of the polymer and the nature of the solvent. In the case where solvents are used to disperse the nanoparticles, there is a risk that they facilitate the passage of nanoparticles through the protective gloves.Several studies have examined the swelling behaviour of polymers in solvents. For example, Perron et al. (2002) measured the swelling of different protective glove materials in more than fifty solvents [13]. Golanski et al. (2010) followed the diffusion of tritiated water through nitrile rubber, latex, and vinyl gloves [14]. In each case, effects on the gloves were recorded after five days or less. A diffusion coefficient of 5·10-12m2/s was measured for nitrile rubber and 3·10-13m2/s for latex.This paper examines the swelling of protective glove elastomers (disposable nitrile rubber and latex, and nondisposable neoprene and butyl rubber) in the liquid carriers and commercial solutions typically used to disperse nanoparticles (in this case, 15 nm nTiO2). The results are discussed with respect to the potential protective effect of the gloves to nanoparticle suspensions.


## 2. Materials

### 2.1. Elastomers

Five models of protective gloves corresponding to four types of elastomers were selected for this study: two disposable nitrile rubber gloves (Best Nitrile Care 3005-PFL, 100μm thick), disposable latex gloves (Ansell Conform XT 69-318, 100 μm thick), nonsupported neoprene gloves (Ansell Neoprene 29-865, 450 μm thick), and non-supported butyl rubber gloves (Best Butyl 878, 700 μm thick). The difference between the two types of nitrile rubber gloves is related to the fact that one is labelled by the manufacturer as containing no silicone, no plasticizer, and no filler. In this paper, results for this glove model will be identified as nitrile rubber T-N-T.


### 2.2. Commercial nTiO2 Solutions

Three nanoparticle suspensions were used for this study. All three contained 15 nm anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The aqueous nTiO2 (15% w/w) and the nTiO2 in 1,2-ethanediol (EG, 20% w/w) were obtained from Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc. (Houston, TX, USA). A 20% (w/w) solution in 1,2-propanediol (PG) was purchased from MK Impex (Mississauga, ON, Canada). Particle sizes of 21±2 nm (for nTiO2 in water) and 24±3 nm (for nTiO2 in EG) were measured by fluorescence correlation spectrometry (FCS) [15]. The same analysis was not possible for nTiO2 in PG due to an incompatibility with the FCS measurement cells.


### 2.3. Technical Grade and Ultrapure Solvents

Technical grade and ultrapure solvents corresponding to the nTiO2 carriers were obtained for comparison purposes. 1,2-ethanediol and 1,2-propanediol were purchased from Fisher Scientific; ultrapure solvents anhydrous 1,2-ethanediol (99.8% w/w) and 1,2-propanediol (99.5% w/w) were obtained from Sigma Aldrich. Water was obtained from a laboratory distillation system or purchased from Acros Organics (HPLC grade).


## 2.1. Elastomers

Five models of protective gloves corresponding to four types of elastomers were selected for this study: two disposable nitrile rubber gloves (Best Nitrile Care 3005-PFL, 100μm thick), disposable latex gloves (Ansell Conform XT 69-318, 100 μm thick), nonsupported neoprene gloves (Ansell Neoprene 29-865, 450 μm thick), and non-supported butyl rubber gloves (Best Butyl 878, 700 μm thick). The difference between the two types of nitrile rubber gloves is related to the fact that one is labelled by the manufacturer as containing no silicone, no plasticizer, and no filler. In this paper, results for this glove model will be identified as nitrile rubber T-N-T.


## 2.2. Commercial nTiO2 Solutions

Three nanoparticle suspensions were used for this study. All three contained 15 nm anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The aqueous nTiO2 (15% w/w) and the nTiO2 in 1,2-ethanediol (EG, 20% w/w) were obtained from Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc. (Houston, TX, USA). A 20% (w/w) solution in 1,2-propanediol (PG) was purchased from MK Impex (Mississauga, ON, Canada). Particle sizes of 21±2 nm (for nTiO2 in water) and 24±3 nm (for nTiO2 in EG) were measured by fluorescence correlation spectrometry (FCS) [15]. The same analysis was not possible for nTiO2 in PG due to an incompatibility with the FCS measurement cells.


## 2.3. Technical Grade and Ultrapure Solvents

Technical grade and ultrapure solvents corresponding to the nTiO2 carriers were obtained for comparison purposes. 1,2-ethanediol and 1,2-propanediol were purchased from Fisher Scientific; ultrapure solvents anhydrous 1,2-ethanediol (99.8% w/w) and 1,2-propanediol (99.5% w/w) were obtained from Sigma Aldrich. Water was obtained from a laboratory distillation system or purchased from Acros Organics (HPLC grade).


## 3. Experimental Protocol

A series of experiments were performed to characterize the colloidal solutions and the solutions where elastomer samples were immersed. Firstly, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, Diamond TGA/DTA Perkin Elmer) was used to evaluate the mass ratio of the nTiO2 and to identify the presence of chemicals in the colloidal solutions, in addition to the liquid carrier. Gradual evaporation of the liquid carrier occurred between 25 and 150°C with a step of 5°C/min. Secondly, similar comparisons were performed for the technical grade and ultra-high purity solvents and the nTiO2 suspensions using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, Nicolet Continuum XL). Measurements were made in attenuated total reflectance (ATR)mode, between 500 and 4000 cm−1, on drops of solutions after almost total evaporation of the solvent. To determine the presence or not of residues in solvents, FT-IR analysis was complemented by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, JEOL JEM-2100F). To obtain statistically significant data, triplicate measurements were performed for all tests.Swelling can be quantified by measuring the polymer mass gain and/or length change as a function of time [13]. Both mass and length gain measurements were performed on a small rectangular sample (dimensions: 10 mm × 50 mm for measurements of mass; 4 mm × 50 mm for length measurements). All samples were taken from the palm section of the gloves. For each test, three to five replicates were measured in order to obtain statistically significant data. Samples were immersed in either the commercial solutions of nTiO2 or in the technical/ultrapure solvents. At regular intervals, samples were removed from the liquid, gently dried with a paper towel before being weighed on an analytical balance (±0.1 mg) or measured using a vernier caliper (±0.01 mm). In order to minimize the effect of elastomer porosity on the mass measurement, the reference value was obtained following the immersion of the sample in either the colloidal solution or the solvents where the mass gain and length change were defined as
(1)ΔX(t)=Xt-X0+X0+
with Xt being the mass or length at time t and X0+ the corresponding reference value.It is also possible to estimate diffusion coefficients through the polymer from the temporal variations of mass or length. Based on Fick’s first law, the ratio between the mass or length at timet and that at infinite time (i.e., maximum swelling) is given by [13]
(2)XtX∞=1-8π2∑m=0m=∞1(2m+1)2{exp(-D(2m+1)2π2e2t)},
where D is the diffusion coefficient (m2·s-1) and e the sample thickness.Equation (2) can be simplified by considering that the exponential term decreases quickly with m. A half-life time (t1/2) is obtained for a mass or a length ratio equal to 0.5:
(3)XtX∞≅1-8π2{exp(-Dπ2e2t1/2)}=0.5.
The value of t1/2 can be determined from the linear regression of (Xt-X0)/(X∞-X0) as a function of the square root of time for a value of (Xt-X0)/(X∞-X0)=1/2. The diffusion coefficient can be estimated from (5):
(4)Xt-X0X∞-X0=f(t),(5)D≈0.04919e2t1/2.


## 4. Results and Discussion

### 4.1. Analysis of Nanoparticle Solutions

In Figure1, the variation of the relative mass loss is shown as a function of temperature for the aqueous solution of nTiO2 and for two slightly different qualities of water (distilled water and ultra-high purity water). The distilled water and ultra-high purity water curves overlapped exactly, indicating negligible chemical contamination. On the other hand, the curve for the aqueous solution of nTiO2 was shifted slightly towards higher temperatures. The same phenomenon was observed when comparing the curves obtained for nTiO2 in PG (data not shown) with technical grade and ultrapure PG. In the case of nTiO2 in EG, the same shift in temperature was observed, however, the curves corresponding to technical and ultrapure EG did not overlap, indicating a difference in composition between the two products. In all cases, the observed shift towards a higher temperature was attributed to the presence of the nTiO2 to which the solvent molecules adsorb, thus increasing the vapour pressure of the system [16]. The similarity in the profiles in the absence or presence of nTiO2 is consistent with the absence of significant quantities of additives (at least below the detection limits of the thermogravimetric technique). Moreover, in the aqueous stock solution, a value of (14.3±0.8)% w/w was obtained for the concentration of the nTiO2. For the nTiO2 in EG and PG, the measured mass ratios were, respectively, (16.1±0.1)% w/w and (25.0±3.7)% w/w. These values were very close to indications that were provided by the manufacturers. Colloidal solutions often contain additives such as stabilizing agents which may affect polymer swelling. Therefore, the TGA spectra for the colloidal solutions were compared with those obtained for the technical grade and ultra-high purity solvents corresponding to the liquid carriers.Figure 1
TGA spectra of nTiO2 in water, distilled water, and ultra-high purity water.Figure2 shows the FT-IR spectra obtained for the nTiO2 in water and in ultra-high purity water. In the presence of the nTiO2, an additional peak was observed at 1070 cm−1. This peak is generally associated with the elongation of a CO bond, which may indicate the presence of an additive, such as an alcohol, in the nTiO2 solution [16]. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the spectra of nTiO2 in EG or PG and the corresponding ultrapure solvents. Nonetheless, these spectra were admittedly complex, which made it extremely difficult to detect any additional peaks associated with additives. Furthermore, it could not be excluded that peaks corresponding to the additives were masked by the characteristic peaks of the two glycols.Figure 2
FT-IR spectra of nTiO2 in water and ultra-high purity water.


### 4.2. Swelling Measurements (Mass Gain)

Swelling measurements were made by recording the mass of glove material samples after immersion in the nTiO2 solutions. The results obtained for nitrile rubber immersed in the nTiO2 in water over 8 hours are displayed in Figure 3. A steady increase in mass was observed. In order to verify if mass gain was due to an accumulation of the nanoparticles [17], swelling measurements were also conducted in the ultrapure solvents, corresponding to the nTiO2 carriers. In this case, the curve obtained for the ultra-high purity water was extremely well superimposed on that obtained for the nTiO2 in water (Figure 3), strongly suggesting that the mass gain could be attributed solely to a swelling of the nitrile rubber by the solvent.Figure 3
Variation of mass gain for nitrile rubber as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in water. Error bars correspond to standard deviations obtained from 3 measurements.In order to ensure that these results were representative of the behaviour of disposable nitrile rubber gloves, they were compared with the swelling behaviour of a model T-N-T glove, which, according to the manufacturer, contains no silicone, no plasticizer and no filler. Results were presented for a 5-hour immersion in ultra-high purity water (Figure4). In spite of a similar trend in the data, a significant difference in amplitude was observed between the two nitrile rubber gloves. The mass gain reaches about 38% for the filler-containing gloves and only 10% for the T-N-T gloves. Nonetheless, nitrile rubber gloves showed substantial swelling in water, both in the presence and absence of filler.Figure 4
Variation of mass gain as a function of immersion time in ultra-high purity water for nitrile rubber and nitrile rubber T-N-T samples.The swelling behaviour of the nitrile rubber in the two other nTiO2 solutions was also investigated. The mass gain of the nitrile rubber samples was presented as a function of immersion time in water, EG, and PG containing nTiO2 (Figure 5). A gradual mass increase was observed for all of the colloidal solutions, with virtually identical data for the EG and PG solutions. Such a result is not surprising, given that EG and PG are chemically similar and the chemical family of the solvent is one of the primary parameters controlling elastomer swelling [11]. The swelling ratio of the nitrile rubber in the aqueous nTiO2 solution was about 3x higher than that observed in EG/PG. For example, for an immersion time of 8 hours, the swelling ratio for nitrile rubber in the nTiO2 in water was 35%, while it was 15% for nTiO2 in the other carriers. The differences are attributed to differences in viscosity, molecule size and structure and polarity between the two solvent families [16]. Nonetheless, it should be noted that maximum swelling was not reached for any of the nTiO2 solutions even after 8 hours of immersion.Figure 5
Variation of mass gain of a nitrile rubber sample as a function of immersion time for the nTiO2 in water, PG, and EG.Swelling behaviour of the four glove materials was analysed for each of the nTiO2 samples in water, EG, and PG over 3 days (Figure 6). Some major differences in swelling behaviour were observed among the four elastomers. For example, the mass gain for nitrile rubber reached about 79% after 3 days of immersion while it attained 27% for the latex and 18% for the neoprene. For the all three elastomers, the variation in mass gain started immediately following the immersion of the samples in the nTiO2 solutions, but was fairly gradual, taking about 40 hours to reach steady state. In the case of butyl rubber, no significant mass gain was recorded.Figure 6
Variation of mass gain as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in water for nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex samples.The maximum mass ratio values that were measured for each of the four glove materials and three nTiO2 solutions are given in Table 1. In summary, swelling appeared to depend more on the glove elastomers than it did on the solvent. In all of the carrier phases, nitrile rubber showed the greatest swelling, whereas latex and neoprene gave an intermediate response. No swelling of butyl rubber was observed in any of the three nTiO2 suspensions.Table 1
Values of maximal swelling ratio for the four glove materials in the three nTiO2 solutions.
Maximum mass change ratio (%)
nTiO2 in water
nTiO2 in EG
nTiO2 in PG
Nitrile rubber
79
73
94
Latex
27
14
26
Neoprene
18
11
11
Butyl rubber
0
0
0The mass gain was attributed to the diffusion of solvent molecules into the polymer membrane. Using the mass gain data and (5), diffusion coefficients of the three solutions (water, PG, and EG) into the nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene were estimated. The diffusion coefficient was not calculated for butyl rubber since no mass change was recorded. As can be seen in Table 2, the three nTiO2 carriers diffused more rapidly into neoprene than in latex and nitrile rubber. Note that, in addition to the composition of the glove, diffusion coefficient determinations also take into account its thickness. The values suggest that the neoprene would only provide a moderate resistance to chemicals, whereas nitrile rubber and latex showed a similar resistance. Significant differences between the three carrier solutions were also observed. Indeed, for all three glove materials, water diffused faster than EG, which diffused faster than PG. The differences in viscosity, molecule size, and polarity between the two solvent families explain that water diffused faster than glycols [16]. Nonetheless, values are substantially lower than what has been measured previously with more efficient solvents (e.g., D for toluene in latex = 11.4 × 10−11 m²·s−1); [13].Table 2
Diffusion coefficients of the three nTiO2 carriers in nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene. Values were obtained by mass gain based upon (5).
Diffusion coefficients (10−14 m²·s−1)
Water
EG
PG
Nitrile rubber
1.6
0.7
0.5
Latex
1.4
1.4
0.4
Neoprene
10.4
6.9
1.5


### 4.3. Length Change Measurements

The swelling of the elastomers was also characterized by measurements of length variations. For example, length change is presented over 10 days for the nitrile rubber immersed in the nTiO2 in EG or in ultrapure EG (Figure 7). To obtain statistically significant data, triplicate measurements were performed for each test. A gradual increase in sample length was observed, with a constant length value found after 85 hours, reasonably consistent with determinations of mass gain. In the nTiO2 in EG, the length increased by a maximum of 16% while it increased by 13% for the ultrapure EG. This difference was attributed to the possible presence of additives (or eventually the nTiO2 itself) in the nTiO2 solution.Figure 7
Variation of length change ratio as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in EG and in ultrapure EG for nitrile rubber sample.Length changes were compared in the three different nTiO2 carriers (Figure 8). Swelling strongly depended on the solutions in which the elastomer is immersed. For example, the nitrile rubber attained its maximum length (+16%) after only 85 hours in EG while it took 500 hours (20 days) to reach the same maxima when the immersion was performed in PG. When the immersion was performed in the nTiO2 in water, the maximum length was observed around 85 h, but the increase was only 10%, substantially less than the results for the two solvents in the glycol chemical family.Figure 8
Variation in length change ratio of a nitrile rubber as a function of immersion time for the nTiO2 in water, PG, and EG.The swelling of the three glove materials was compared following their immersion in the nTiO2 in PG (Figure 9). Large differences were observed among the three materials. For example, while the maximum length change for both the nitrile rubber and the neoprene was attained after about 500 h (20 days) of immersion, it was only +16% for the nitrile rubber, whereas it was +5% for the neoprene. Surprisingly, for the latex, the maximum length change ratio was reached after only 200 hours (+10%); however, the length change subsequently decreased to 5% at the full term of the experiment. The reduction in length at the longer periods of immersion was attributed to a degradation of the glove material in the PG. Maximum length change values, measured for the nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex in all three nTiO2 solutions, are given in Table 3. Measurements were not performed for the butyl rubber due to the absence of mass change recorded above. For all of the carriers, the largest relative change in length was recorded for the nitrile rubber, similar to the results obtained for mass gain.Table 3
Maximal values of length change for the nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex glove materials in the three solutions of nTiO2.
Maximum length change ratio (%)
Water
EG
PG
Nitrile rubber
10.3
16.5
15.8
Latex
7.3
8.1
9.9
Neoprene
10.0
2.7
5.3Figure 9
Variation in length change ratio as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in PG for nitrile rubber, neoprene and latex samples.Diffusion coefficients were determined in each of the glove materials, for each of the three solutions, using the measured length changes Table4. Although these values are slightly different than those obtained with the mass gain, the same tendency can be observed. Water diffused faster than EG, which diffused faster than PG.Table 4
Diffusion coefficients of the three TiO2 solutions for nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene obtained by measured changes in length of the elastomers.
Diffusion coefficients (10−14 m²·s−1)
nTiO2 in water
nTiO2 in EG
nTiO2 in PG
Nitrile rubber
4.3
0.9
0.2
Latex
2.4
0.7
0.7
Neoprene
4.1
4.0
1.4Length data obtained above was determined on samples cut in a perpendicular (transverse) direction to the glove fingers. Comparison of measurements carried out for transverse and longitudinal cuts of the nitrile rubber samples showed a significant difference in the lengths in PG with a maximum increase of 7% in the traverse direction as opposed to 2% in the longitudinal orientation (Figure10). More work is needed to fully understand and characterize this phenomenon, however, may be related to the glove manufacturing process by dipping.Figure 10
Variation in length change ratio as a function of immersion time in PG for transverse and longitudinal nitrile rubber samples. Error bars correspond to standard deviations obtained from 3 measurements.


### 4.4. Degradation of the Gloves

Analysis of the swelling solutions was performed by FT-IR (Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). Neoprene samples were immersed for 7 days in water, EG, and PG. Solutions were initially colourless but had a yellow colour after 7 days. A drop of solution was deposited on a microscope slide and the solvent evaporated so that residues could be analysed. For the EG sample, FT-IR spectrum showed peaks at 3342 cm−1, 1029 cm−1, and 2935 cm−1, likely corresponding to the C-O and C-H bonds of the EG (Figure 11). On the other hand, the peak observed at 754 cm−1 is more characteristic of N–H bonds, which could indicate the presence of an amine in the swelling solution, for example, diaminodiphenylmethane, which is used as a vulcanizing agent in the manufacture of neoprene gloves [18], or phenylenediamine, which is used as an antioxidant in neoprene gloves [19]. In addition, the peak around 1600 cm−1 can be associated with chlorine, a lateral group in the chemical structure of neoprene. The FT-IR analysis was complemented by EDS analysis of the same residues. Peaks associated with zinc, calcium, chlorine, sulphur, aluminium, magnesium, and sodium were observed. Magnesium and zinc oxides are typically used as vulcanization agents, whereas sulphur is used as a vulcanization catalyst [18]. For their part, calcium and aluminium particles are used as fillers. The results indicate that, in parallel to the diffusion of the solvents into the glove materials, some chemical species are extracted at long immersion times. These leached-out species include vulcanization agents and catalysts, antioxidants, reinforcing particles, and nonpolymerised monomers. The extraction of these compounds may affect the physical and mechanical properties of the elastomer membrane [20].Figure 11
FT-IR spectrum of the swelling residues from neoprene immersed for 7 days in EG.


### 4.5. Implications for the Protection against Nanoparticle Exposure

As studied by Vinches et al. (submitted, July 2012), ICP-MS analyses of sampling solutions suggest the penetration of the nitrile gloves when they were subjected to dynamic mechanical deformations for periods of 5 hours or more (Figure12). No differences were observed for measurements made with and without the NPs for the samples composed of butyl rubber [21]. The swelling of gloves materials, in this case for nitrile rubber, is one of the phenomena which can facilitate the penetration of nTiO2 solutions through protective gloves.Figure 12
Variation in the concentration of titanium in the sampling solutions as a function of the duration of 50% biaxial deformations for nitrile (NBR) and butyl (IIR) rubber samples exposed to colloidal solutions of nTiO2.


## 4.1. Analysis of Nanoparticle Solutions

In Figure1, the variation of the relative mass loss is shown as a function of temperature for the aqueous solution of nTiO2 and for two slightly different qualities of water (distilled water and ultra-high purity water). The distilled water and ultra-high purity water curves overlapped exactly, indicating negligible chemical contamination. On the other hand, the curve for the aqueous solution of nTiO2 was shifted slightly towards higher temperatures. The same phenomenon was observed when comparing the curves obtained for nTiO2 in PG (data not shown) with technical grade and ultrapure PG. In the case of nTiO2 in EG, the same shift in temperature was observed, however, the curves corresponding to technical and ultrapure EG did not overlap, indicating a difference in composition between the two products. In all cases, the observed shift towards a higher temperature was attributed to the presence of the nTiO2 to which the solvent molecules adsorb, thus increasing the vapour pressure of the system [16]. The similarity in the profiles in the absence or presence of nTiO2 is consistent with the absence of significant quantities of additives (at least below the detection limits of the thermogravimetric technique). Moreover, in the aqueous stock solution, a value of (14.3±0.8)% w/w was obtained for the concentration of the nTiO2. For the nTiO2 in EG and PG, the measured mass ratios were, respectively, (16.1±0.1)% w/w and (25.0±3.7)% w/w. These values were very close to indications that were provided by the manufacturers. Colloidal solutions often contain additives such as stabilizing agents which may affect polymer swelling. Therefore, the TGA spectra for the colloidal solutions were compared with those obtained for the technical grade and ultra-high purity solvents corresponding to the liquid carriers.Figure 1
TGA spectra of nTiO2 in water, distilled water, and ultra-high purity water.Figure2 shows the FT-IR spectra obtained for the nTiO2 in water and in ultra-high purity water. In the presence of the nTiO2, an additional peak was observed at 1070 cm−1. This peak is generally associated with the elongation of a CO bond, which may indicate the presence of an additive, such as an alcohol, in the nTiO2 solution [16]. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the spectra of nTiO2 in EG or PG and the corresponding ultrapure solvents. Nonetheless, these spectra were admittedly complex, which made it extremely difficult to detect any additional peaks associated with additives. Furthermore, it could not be excluded that peaks corresponding to the additives were masked by the characteristic peaks of the two glycols.Figure 2
FT-IR spectra of nTiO2 in water and ultra-high purity water.


## 4.2. Swelling Measurements (Mass Gain)

Swelling measurements were made by recording the mass of glove material samples after immersion in the nTiO2 solutions. The results obtained for nitrile rubber immersed in the nTiO2 in water over 8 hours are displayed in Figure 3. A steady increase in mass was observed. In order to verify if mass gain was due to an accumulation of the nanoparticles [17], swelling measurements were also conducted in the ultrapure solvents, corresponding to the nTiO2 carriers. In this case, the curve obtained for the ultra-high purity water was extremely well superimposed on that obtained for the nTiO2 in water (Figure 3), strongly suggesting that the mass gain could be attributed solely to a swelling of the nitrile rubber by the solvent.Figure 3
Variation of mass gain for nitrile rubber as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in water. Error bars correspond to standard deviations obtained from 3 measurements.In order to ensure that these results were representative of the behaviour of disposable nitrile rubber gloves, they were compared with the swelling behaviour of a model T-N-T glove, which, according to the manufacturer, contains no silicone, no plasticizer and no filler. Results were presented for a 5-hour immersion in ultra-high purity water (Figure4). In spite of a similar trend in the data, a significant difference in amplitude was observed between the two nitrile rubber gloves. The mass gain reaches about 38% for the filler-containing gloves and only 10% for the T-N-T gloves. Nonetheless, nitrile rubber gloves showed substantial swelling in water, both in the presence and absence of filler.Figure 4
Variation of mass gain as a function of immersion time in ultra-high purity water for nitrile rubber and nitrile rubber T-N-T samples.The swelling behaviour of the nitrile rubber in the two other nTiO2 solutions was also investigated. The mass gain of the nitrile rubber samples was presented as a function of immersion time in water, EG, and PG containing nTiO2 (Figure 5). A gradual mass increase was observed for all of the colloidal solutions, with virtually identical data for the EG and PG solutions. Such a result is not surprising, given that EG and PG are chemically similar and the chemical family of the solvent is one of the primary parameters controlling elastomer swelling [11]. The swelling ratio of the nitrile rubber in the aqueous nTiO2 solution was about 3x higher than that observed in EG/PG. For example, for an immersion time of 8 hours, the swelling ratio for nitrile rubber in the nTiO2 in water was 35%, while it was 15% for nTiO2 in the other carriers. The differences are attributed to differences in viscosity, molecule size and structure and polarity between the two solvent families [16]. Nonetheless, it should be noted that maximum swelling was not reached for any of the nTiO2 solutions even after 8 hours of immersion.Figure 5
Variation of mass gain of a nitrile rubber sample as a function of immersion time for the nTiO2 in water, PG, and EG.Swelling behaviour of the four glove materials was analysed for each of the nTiO2 samples in water, EG, and PG over 3 days (Figure 6). Some major differences in swelling behaviour were observed among the four elastomers. For example, the mass gain for nitrile rubber reached about 79% after 3 days of immersion while it attained 27% for the latex and 18% for the neoprene. For the all three elastomers, the variation in mass gain started immediately following the immersion of the samples in the nTiO2 solutions, but was fairly gradual, taking about 40 hours to reach steady state. In the case of butyl rubber, no significant mass gain was recorded.Figure 6
Variation of mass gain as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in water for nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex samples.The maximum mass ratio values that were measured for each of the four glove materials and three nTiO2 solutions are given in Table 1. In summary, swelling appeared to depend more on the glove elastomers than it did on the solvent. In all of the carrier phases, nitrile rubber showed the greatest swelling, whereas latex and neoprene gave an intermediate response. No swelling of butyl rubber was observed in any of the three nTiO2 suspensions.Table 1
Values of maximal swelling ratio for the four glove materials in the three nTiO2 solutions.
Maximum mass change ratio (%)
nTiO2 in water
nTiO2 in EG
nTiO2 in PG
Nitrile rubber
79
73
94
Latex
27
14
26
Neoprene
18
11
11
Butyl rubber
0
0
0The mass gain was attributed to the diffusion of solvent molecules into the polymer membrane. Using the mass gain data and (5), diffusion coefficients of the three solutions (water, PG, and EG) into the nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene were estimated. The diffusion coefficient was not calculated for butyl rubber since no mass change was recorded. As can be seen in Table 2, the three nTiO2 carriers diffused more rapidly into neoprene than in latex and nitrile rubber. Note that, in addition to the composition of the glove, diffusion coefficient determinations also take into account its thickness. The values suggest that the neoprene would only provide a moderate resistance to chemicals, whereas nitrile rubber and latex showed a similar resistance. Significant differences between the three carrier solutions were also observed. Indeed, for all three glove materials, water diffused faster than EG, which diffused faster than PG. The differences in viscosity, molecule size, and polarity between the two solvent families explain that water diffused faster than glycols [16]. Nonetheless, values are substantially lower than what has been measured previously with more efficient solvents (e.g., D for toluene in latex = 11.4 × 10−11 m²·s−1); [13].Table 2
Diffusion coefficients of the three nTiO2 carriers in nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene. Values were obtained by mass gain based upon (5).
Diffusion coefficients (10−14 m²·s−1)
Water
EG
PG
Nitrile rubber
1.6
0.7
0.5
Latex
1.4
1.4
0.4
Neoprene
10.4
6.9
1.5


## 4.3. Length Change Measurements

The swelling of the elastomers was also characterized by measurements of length variations. For example, length change is presented over 10 days for the nitrile rubber immersed in the nTiO2 in EG or in ultrapure EG (Figure 7). To obtain statistically significant data, triplicate measurements were performed for each test. A gradual increase in sample length was observed, with a constant length value found after 85 hours, reasonably consistent with determinations of mass gain. In the nTiO2 in EG, the length increased by a maximum of 16% while it increased by 13% for the ultrapure EG. This difference was attributed to the possible presence of additives (or eventually the nTiO2 itself) in the nTiO2 solution.Figure 7
Variation of length change ratio as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in EG and in ultrapure EG for nitrile rubber sample.Length changes were compared in the three different nTiO2 carriers (Figure 8). Swelling strongly depended on the solutions in which the elastomer is immersed. For example, the nitrile rubber attained its maximum length (+16%) after only 85 hours in EG while it took 500 hours (20 days) to reach the same maxima when the immersion was performed in PG. When the immersion was performed in the nTiO2 in water, the maximum length was observed around 85 h, but the increase was only 10%, substantially less than the results for the two solvents in the glycol chemical family.Figure 8
Variation in length change ratio of a nitrile rubber as a function of immersion time for the nTiO2 in water, PG, and EG.The swelling of the three glove materials was compared following their immersion in the nTiO2 in PG (Figure 9). Large differences were observed among the three materials. For example, while the maximum length change for both the nitrile rubber and the neoprene was attained after about 500 h (20 days) of immersion, it was only +16% for the nitrile rubber, whereas it was +5% for the neoprene. Surprisingly, for the latex, the maximum length change ratio was reached after only 200 hours (+10%); however, the length change subsequently decreased to 5% at the full term of the experiment. The reduction in length at the longer periods of immersion was attributed to a degradation of the glove material in the PG. Maximum length change values, measured for the nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex in all three nTiO2 solutions, are given in Table 3. Measurements were not performed for the butyl rubber due to the absence of mass change recorded above. For all of the carriers, the largest relative change in length was recorded for the nitrile rubber, similar to the results obtained for mass gain.Table 3
Maximal values of length change for the nitrile rubber, neoprene, and latex glove materials in the three solutions of nTiO2.
Maximum length change ratio (%)
Water
EG
PG
Nitrile rubber
10.3
16.5
15.8
Latex
7.3
8.1
9.9
Neoprene
10.0
2.7
5.3Figure 9
Variation in length change ratio as a function of immersion time in nTiO2 in PG for nitrile rubber, neoprene and latex samples.Diffusion coefficients were determined in each of the glove materials, for each of the three solutions, using the measured length changes Table4. Although these values are slightly different than those obtained with the mass gain, the same tendency can be observed. Water diffused faster than EG, which diffused faster than PG.Table 4
Diffusion coefficients of the three TiO2 solutions for nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene obtained by measured changes in length of the elastomers.
Diffusion coefficients (10−14 m²·s−1)
nTiO2 in water
nTiO2 in EG
nTiO2 in PG
Nitrile rubber
4.3
0.9
0.2
Latex
2.4
0.7
0.7
Neoprene
4.1
4.0
1.4Length data obtained above was determined on samples cut in a perpendicular (transverse) direction to the glove fingers. Comparison of measurements carried out for transverse and longitudinal cuts of the nitrile rubber samples showed a significant difference in the lengths in PG with a maximum increase of 7% in the traverse direction as opposed to 2% in the longitudinal orientation (Figure10). More work is needed to fully understand and characterize this phenomenon, however, may be related to the glove manufacturing process by dipping.Figure 10
Variation in length change ratio as a function of immersion time in PG for transverse and longitudinal nitrile rubber samples. Error bars correspond to standard deviations obtained from 3 measurements.


## 4.4. Degradation of the Gloves

Analysis of the swelling solutions was performed by FT-IR (Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). Neoprene samples were immersed for 7 days in water, EG, and PG. Solutions were initially colourless but had a yellow colour after 7 days. A drop of solution was deposited on a microscope slide and the solvent evaporated so that residues could be analysed. For the EG sample, FT-IR spectrum showed peaks at 3342 cm−1, 1029 cm−1, and 2935 cm−1, likely corresponding to the C-O and C-H bonds of the EG (Figure 11). On the other hand, the peak observed at 754 cm−1 is more characteristic of N–H bonds, which could indicate the presence of an amine in the swelling solution, for example, diaminodiphenylmethane, which is used as a vulcanizing agent in the manufacture of neoprene gloves [18], or phenylenediamine, which is used as an antioxidant in neoprene gloves [19]. In addition, the peak around 1600 cm−1 can be associated with chlorine, a lateral group in the chemical structure of neoprene. The FT-IR analysis was complemented by EDS analysis of the same residues. Peaks associated with zinc, calcium, chlorine, sulphur, aluminium, magnesium, and sodium were observed. Magnesium and zinc oxides are typically used as vulcanization agents, whereas sulphur is used as a vulcanization catalyst [18]. For their part, calcium and aluminium particles are used as fillers. The results indicate that, in parallel to the diffusion of the solvents into the glove materials, some chemical species are extracted at long immersion times. These leached-out species include vulcanization agents and catalysts, antioxidants, reinforcing particles, and nonpolymerised monomers. The extraction of these compounds may affect the physical and mechanical properties of the elastomer membrane [20].Figure 11
FT-IR spectrum of the swelling residues from neoprene immersed for 7 days in EG.


## 4.5. Implications for the Protection against Nanoparticle Exposure

As studied by Vinches et al. (submitted, July 2012), ICP-MS analyses of sampling solutions suggest the penetration of the nitrile gloves when they were subjected to dynamic mechanical deformations for periods of 5 hours or more (Figure12). No differences were observed for measurements made with and without the NPs for the samples composed of butyl rubber [21]. The swelling of gloves materials, in this case for nitrile rubber, is one of the phenomena which can facilitate the penetration of nTiO2 solutions through protective gloves.Figure 12
Variation in the concentration of titanium in the sampling solutions as a function of the duration of 50% biaxial deformations for nitrile (NBR) and butyl (IIR) rubber samples exposed to colloidal solutions of nTiO2.


## 5. Conclusion

This paper has investigated the swelling of elastomers used in protective gloves upon their exposure to commercial solutions of nanoparticles. Results were obtained for the swelling of four glove materials—nitrile rubber, neoprene, latex and butyl rubber—exposed to three commercial solutions of nTiO2 (water, 1,2-ethanediol, and 1,2-propanediol (PG). Comparisons were made with technical and ultra-pure solvents that corresponded to the nanoparticle carriers over short- and long-term experiments. Complementary analysis of the carriers was performed by TGA and FTIR; analysis on the residues in the carriers after a 7 day exposure of the gloves was performed by EDS and FTIR. Results showed that the solutions had a significant effect on the swelling of nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene. In contrast, no significant swelling of butyl rubber was observed for any of the nTiO2 carriers. Indeed, a large mass gain was recorded for short immersion times (within a few hours), indicating penetration of the nanoparticle carrier solutions into the elastomers. Mass and length measurements gave comparable values for the diffusion coefficients. The largest diffusion coefficients were obtained for neoprene, which indicated a larger sensitivity to the nTiO2 carriers. In some instances, a decrease in the elastomer mass and length was observed for long immersion times, although the decrease occurred for times which were generally much longer than a typical period for glove renewal. This phenomenon was attributed to the leaching of additives from the gloves.These results show that great care must be taken in selecting protective gloves for the handling of nanoparticles in colloidal solutions. Indeed, given the carrier solutions diffuse through the glove, the transport of the nanoparticles themselves can be facilitated, thus allowing for exposure to the skin.



---

*Source: 272751-2012-11-26.xml*