Patent

• Neil Tillitson and Luc DeBecker patented the nitrile glove in 1990, and renewed the patent in 1997.
  
  

Composition

• Nitrile rubber (also called Buna-N) is a synthetic copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene; it contains no latex proteins.
  
  

Differences

• Nitrile gloves are not as elastic or form-fitting as latex gloves, thus are not as practical for surgery. They are used in emergency field medicine by EMTs. They offer the same protection in terms of puncture resistance but superior durability and are generally higher in cost.
  
  

Comfort

• Nitrile gloves do not have the "drag" of latex and slip on far more easily, especially when powdered inside with cornstarch.
  
  

Other Uses

• These gloves are used in laboratories, painting, manufacturing and mechanics as they offer excellent protection from chemicals and carcinogens, and can stand up to heavy use.