Dip-formed latex articles which incorporate synthetic polyisoprene particles that are pre-vulcanized and cured

摘要

Disclosed is a synthetic polyisoprene elastomeric article such as a condom or a glove which comprises: synthetic polyisoprene particles that are pre-vulcanized and cured; said synthetic polyisoprene particles are subsequently bonded to each other through intra-polyisoprene particle crosslinks and inter-polyisoprene particle crosslinks. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing a synthetic polyisoprene elastomeric article as defined above which comprises the steps of: a) adding to an aqueous latex of synthetic polyisoprene particles a pre-vulcanization composition comprising soluble sulphur, a zinc dithiocarbamate (such as zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) or zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC)) and a surfactant; b) pre-vulcanizing the synthetic polyisoprene particles in said latex; c) adding to said latex a post-vulcanization composition; d) dipping a coagulant-free or coagulant-coated former in the shape of a glove or a condom into said latex one or more times to form a latex film; and e) curing said latex film during post-vulcanization to produce inter-particle crosslinks within the synthetic polyisoprene particles and to produce intra-particle crosslinks between said particles.