Nanotechnology offers a variety of new tools for the design of next-generation personal protective equipment (PPE). One example is the use of two-dimensional materials as coatings that enhance the performance and ergonomics of elastomeric gloves designed to protect users from hazardous chemicals. Desirable features in such coatings may include molecular barrier function, liquid droplet repellency, stretchability for compatibility with the elastomer, breathability, and an ultrathin profile that preserves the user's manual dexterity and tactile sensation. The present work explores the potential of engineered graphene-based films with out-of-plane texturing as a novel platform to meet these multifold requirements. Graphene-based films in different formulations were fabricated from water-borne inks by vacuum filtration and solution casting methods on glove-derived nitrile rubber substrates. The various coatings were then subjected to tests of molecular permeation by model volatile organic compounds, droplet contact angle, breathability, and mechanical stability during stretching and solvent immersion. The films dramatically improve the barrier properties of glove-derived nitrile. The out-of-plane graphene texturing imparts stretchability through microscale folding/unfolding, while also enhancing droplet repellency in some cases through a lotus-like roughening effect. The combined results suggest that engineered textured graphene-based films are a promising platform for creating multifunctional coatings for a next generation of chemically protective gloves and other elastomer-based PPE.

中文翻译：

---

用于化学防护的弹性手套上的多功能纹理石墨烯基涂料


纳米技术为下一代个人防护设备 （PPE） 的设计提供了多种新工具。一个例子是使用二维材料作为涂层，以提高弹性手套的性能和人体工程学，旨在保护用户免受危险化学品的伤害。此类涂层的理想特性可能包括分子屏障功能、液滴排斥性、与弹性体相容的拉伸性、透气性以及保持用户手部灵活性和触觉的超薄外形。目前的工作探索了具有面外纹理的工程石墨烯基薄膜的潜力，作为满足这些多重要求的新平台。在手套衍生的丁腈橡胶基材上，通过真空过滤和溶液流延方法，由水性油墨制成不同配方的石墨烯基薄膜。然后对各种涂层进行模型挥发性有机化合物的分子渗透、液滴接触角、透气性以及拉伸和溶剂浸泡过程中的机械稳定性测试。这些薄膜极大地改善了手套衍生的丁腈橡胶的阻隔性能。平面外石墨烯纹理通过微尺度折叠/展开赋予可拉伸性，同时在某些情况下还通过莲花状粗糙化效果增强液滴排斥性。综合结果表明，基于工程纹理石墨烯的薄膜是为下一代化学防护手套和其他基于弹性体的个人防护装备创造多功能涂层的一个有前途的平台。