Physicomechanical Performance and Aging Behavior of Polycarbodiimide-Cross-Linked Accelerator-Free Carboxylated...

Accelerator-free (AF) carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) glove systems have been proposed as safer alternatives to conventional accelerator-based formulations; however, prior studies are largely restricted to isolated latex grades or single curing conditions, limiting confidence in industrial robustness and scalability. This study presents the extended systematic evaluation of polycarbodiimide/zinc oxide (PCDI/ZnO)-cross-linked AF-XNBR gloves across key manufacturing variables governing real-world performance. Gloves of three controlled thicknesses (55, 70, and 90 μm), produced from latex grades with varying acrylonitrile contents, are cured over a wide temperature range (65, 90, and 110 °C) to elucidate structure-processing-performance relationships. Mechanical integrity is comprehensively assessed according to ASTM D6319 requirements. Notably, the results demonstrate that AF-XNBR gloves can achieve compliant performance even under low-temperature curing conditions, challenging the prevailing assumption that high thermal input is essential. These findings establish the practical sufficiency and industrial viability of PCDI/ZnO-based AF systems, providing a robust framework for optimization and large-scale adoption.