Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that provides excellent protection from abrasion, cuts and tearing. It resists oils, greases and hydrocarbons such as petroleum products that can not be used with natural rubber (latex). Just about the only chemical nitrile can not be used with is ketonic solvents. In this case a
neoprene glove should be used instead.
Most nitrile gloves start off as a standard cotton, polycotton or nylon glove that is then dipped in nitrile. The number of times it is dipped determines the protection offered by the glove. Most Nitrile gloves come as either open back or closed back. A closed back glove is fully dipped meaning the back of the hand has a nitrile coating. An open back glove does not have a nitrile coating on the back of the hand thereby allowing the glove to breathe. This is preferable if there is no risk to the back of the hand.
The other major variable is how the glove is finished around the wrist. Most nitrile gloves will have a knit or closed wrist to stop unwanted materials getting inside the glove. However an open wrist glove with a safety cuff allows the glove to breathe and not become hot & sweaty
