WO2022192354A1

WO2022192354A1 - Antimicrobial glove and method of manufacture

Info

Publication number: WO2022192354A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/019488
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilyaas MOTLEY; Xavior MOTLEY
Original assignee: Motley Ilyaas; Motley Xavior
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2022-09-15

Abstract

A glove including an interior layer that is hydrophilic and exterior layer that is hydrophobic. The interior layer includes a first curable polymer. The exterior layer includes a second curable polymer and an antimicrobial agent dispersed throughout the exterior layer. The first curable polymer and/or the second curable polymer can be a silicone rubber. The antimicrobial agent can be zinc oxide. A method of preparing a glove having a hydrophilic, interior layer and a hydrophobic, exterior layer includes providing a substrate, such as a hand of a user or a form that represents the hand of the user; applying to the substrate a first composition that includes a first curable polymer; curing the first composition to produce the interior layer, applying to the interior layer a second composition that includes a second curable polymer and an antimicrobial substance dispersed throughout, and curing the second composition to produce the exterior layer.

Description

ANTIMICROBIAL GLOVE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The application claims priority from United State Provisional Application Serial

No. 63/158,926, filed March 10, 2021; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This relates in general to sanitary gloves, such as used in medical or industrial applications.

[0003] First recorded use of latex gloves dates to the 1880s. By the 1890s use of sterilized latex gloves in medical practice had shown a substantial decrease in infection and resulting consequences. At one time gloves included powdered lubricants for ease of put on. These powdered lubricants were replaced by com starch in 1940s due to toxicity concerns. By the 1960s use of disposable latex gloves had become widespread, including general increased in use in medical and healthcare fields. In the United States, the FDA began regulating production of latex gloves in 1990s and in the 1990s nitrile and vinyl gloves became available on the open market as alternative to latex gloves

[0004] Typically, these gloves have been designed to have a tight fit to the wearer, and often result in the wearer’s hand becoming sweaty or otherwise uncomfortable. While designed to have a tight fit, gloves are provided in prefabricated sizes, sometimes forcing a wearer to choose a size that is either too tight or too loose for the wearer’s hand. Additionally, these gloves are typically intended to be single use and then disposed of and thus result in a large amount of waste.

SUMMARY

[0005] This relates more particularly to a glove and a method of preparing a glove. [0006] In at least one embodiment, the glove includes an interior layer that is hydrophilic and exterior layer that is hydrophobic. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer includes a first curable polymer. In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer includes a second curable polymer and an antimicrobial agent dispersed throughout the exterior layer.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the first curable polymer is a silicone rubber.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the interior layer further includes a hydrophilic additive. In at least one embodiment, the hydrophilic additive is a hydrophilic silica aerogel.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the second curable polymer is a silicone rubber.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is zinc oxide.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer further includes a hydrophobic additive. In at least one embodiment, the hydrophobic additive is a hydrophobic silica aerogel.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer further includes a viscosity adjusting agent. In at least one embodiment, the viscosity adjusting agent in a non-reactive modified silicone fluid.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer further includes a tensile strength increasing agent. In at least one embodiment, the tensile strength increasing agent in graphene oxide.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the method of preparing the glove includes the glove having a hydrophilic, interior layer and a hydrophobic, exterior layer. In at least one embodiment, the steps include providing a substrate, such as a hand of a user or a form that represents the hand of the user; applying to the substrate a first composition that includes a first curable polymer; curing the first composition to produce the interior layer, applying to the interior layer a second composition that includes a second curable polymer and an antimicrobial substance dispersed throughout, and curing the second composition to produce the exterior layer.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, applying the first composition to the substrate includes spraying the first composition on the substrate. [0016] In at least one embodiment, curing the first composition to produce the interior layer includes exposing the first composition on the substrate to ultraviolet light.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, applying the second composition to the interior layer includes spraying the second composition on the interior layer.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, curing the second composition to produce the exterior layer includes exposing the second composition on the interior layer to ultraviolet light.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, after curing the second composition to produce the exterior layer, the glove is removed from the substrate in one piece.

[0020] Various aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figs. 1-4 are photographic representations, from various perspectives, of one embodiment of an antimicrobial glove on a wearer’s hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figs. 1-4 a glove 10 in accordance with one embodiment. The glove 10 includes portions covering the digits 11 A, 11B,

11C, 1 ID, and 1 IE, the palm 12A, the back 12B, and the wrist 13 of the wearer. The glove 10 extends from the tips of the digits past the write 13 to and end 14. As depicted, the end 14 is spaced a few inches from the wrist 13. As depicted, a marking 15 can be included on exterior of the glove 10 between the wrist 13 and the end 14. The marking 15 can include text, an image, or both. It can include corporate, departmental, or personal logos, names, or other identification.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the glove is elastomeric, allowing for some stretching without ripping, tearing, or otherwise breaking. In at least one embodiment, the glove can be abrasion resistant and/or puncture resistant, thereby allowing the glove to be reliable used in a variety of settings without fear that the glove will be easily compromised.

[0024] It is preferred in at least one embodiment that the glove is made of a recyclable material. In at least one embodiment, the glove is solvent free.

[0025] It is preferred in at least one embodiment that the glove is made of a transparent material. In at least one other embodiment, the glove is made of a translucent material. In yet another embodiment the glove is made of an opaque material.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the glove that is provided is durable having long lasting, wear time relative to typical uses of sanitary gloves, such as used across multiple industries, including medical/healthcare/dental, food preparation and handling, and other manufacturing.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, a glove is provided is comfortable to wear relative to typical sanitary gloves, being relatively thin and lightweight and having high elasticity and having high tear resistance. In at least one embodiment, the glove has a thickness of from about 2 to about 10 mils. In at least one embodiment, the glove has a thickness of from about 3 to about 8 mils. In at least one embodiment, the glove has a thickness of from about 4 to about 6 mils.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, a glove is provided that is less noticeable on the hand as compared to other typical sanitary gloves, as being relatively thin and lightweight and transparent or translucent.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, a glove is custom fit to a hand size with a band enclosure at the wrist area to prevent liquids or materials from entering the glove. A snug-fitting band may be utilized to close off the open end of the glove around the wearers wrist area to prevent anything from entering the interior of the glove. The band may be an elastic band or an adjustable fit band.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, a glove includes at least an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer is configured to surround the hand of the wearer, with the exterior layer surrounding the interior layer and thus also the hand of the wearer. The interior layer is made of an interior composition, which can include one or more materials, that is hydrophilic. The exterior layer made of an exterior composition, which can include one or more materials, that is hydrophobic. As used herein, interior layer refers to the layer of material intended to be nearer to the hand of a wearer relative to the exterior layer. Thus, as used herein, exterior layer refers to the layer of material intended to be further from the hand of a wearer relative to the interior layer. However, the use of interior and exterior is not intended to convey the absolute position of these layers relative to all the components of the glove. Thus, in at least one embodiment, there may be additional material intended to be nearer to the hand of the wearer than the interior layer, and/or additional material intended to be further from the hand of the wearer than the exterior layer.

[0031] Interior Layer

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the interior layer may contact or lay over the skin of a wearer. The moisture absorbent nature of the hydrophilic interior layer may capture sweat and wick moisture away from the wearer. By absorbing sweat or other moisture build-up near the hand, over time there is a reduced risk of bacterial or fungal growth or other irritation or discomfort. Additionally, as moisture is collected by the hydrophilic interior layer, the layer will allow moisture absorbed thereby to be slowly back to the skin so that the hands do not dry out. The interior layer is a thin layer that is thick enough to promote the above moisture absorbent properties. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 1 to about 5 mils. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 1.5 to about 4 mils. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 2 to about 3 mils.

[0033] In embodiments where the interior layer may contact or lay over the skin of a wearer, it is desirable that the overall nature of the interior composition be such that it is generally safe for the skin. Those skilled in the art understand what is meant by generally safe for the skin. For example, an object that is generally safe for the skin can be one that generally does not irritate or otherwise adversely affect the skin of the typical wearer.

[0034] The interior composition is preferably curable. As used herein, curable refers to a composition that can be cured, vulcanized, or catalyzed from a first state to a second state. As used herein, curable refers to such a composition regardless of whether it is in its first state or second state, or any state therebetween. A curable composition can, in its first state, be a gel, liquid, or other similar state. A curable composition can, in its second state, be a solid.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the interior composition may include a curable polymer. Preferably, the curable polymer is generally safe for the skin. One example class of a curable polymers is silicone rubbers. Silicone rubbers are elastomers that are generally non reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures, e.g., temperatures ranging from -55 to 300 °C. Silicone rubbers are also generally safe for the skin. In their first state, silicone rubbers are generally gels or liquids, and can be converted to a second, solid state being cured, vulcanized, or catalyzed. Some silicone rubbers can be cured with ultraviolet light. An exemplary silicon rubber is Novagard® 800 Series 800-610. This silicone rubber is curable with ultraviolet (UV) light in seconds and produces a clear, elastomeric product.

[0036] Some silicone rubbers are hydrophobic. Therefore, in embodiments where hydrophobic silicone rubbers are used as the curable polymer, the interior composition may further include a hydrophilic additive. The hydrophilic additive can be mixed with the hydrophobic silicone rubber constituting the curable polymer such that the resulting interior composition remains curable and hydrophilic in at least its second state. The hydrophilic additive is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary hydrophilic additive is silica aerogel.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can be produced by spraying the interior composition in its first state onto a substrate and thereafter curing the interior composition on the substrate to its second state. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can be produced by placing, e.g., dipping, a substrate into a container containing the interior composition in its first state, thereafter removing the substrate such that a portion of the interior composition remains on the substrate, and thereafter curing the interior composition on the substrate to its second state.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, e.g., where the interior layer is produced from spraying the interior composition, a certain viscosity range may be desirable to efficiently spray the interior composition. In such embodiments, the interior composition may further include a viscosity adjusting agent. The viscosity adjusting agent can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the interior composition such that the resulting interior composition remains curable. The viscosity adjusting agent is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary viscosity adjusting agent is non-reactive modified silicone fluid, such as Silicone Thinner™.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, it may be desirable for the interior layer to be a particular color or include a particular hue. In such embodiments, the interior composition may further include a pigment. The pigment can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the interior composition such that the resulting interior composition remains curable. The pigment is preferably generally safe for the skin. In at least one embodiment, the pigment is a thermochromic pigment. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the thermochromic pigment can allow the glove to change colors upon certain conditions or interactions, and can provide a visual signal to the wearer that certain conditions have occurred.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the curable composition might take longer to cure than desirable. In such embodiments, the interior composition may further include a curing additive. The curing additive can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the interior composition such that the resulting interior composition remains curable but cures quicker than the composition without the curing additive. The curing additive is preferably generally safe for the skin.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the glove may be designed to be worn for a relatively long period of time without being removed/replaced, e.g., during a medical procedure. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to include an antiperspirant material to further aid in reducing the amount of moisture produced by the hand of the wearer wearing the glove. In at least one embodiment, the interior composition may include such an antiperspirant material. The antiperspirant material can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the interior composition such that the resulting interior composition remains curable but is impugned with antiperspirant properties. The antiperspirant material is preferably generally safe for the skin. In at least one embodiment, the antiperspirant can be applied separately from the interior composition, e.g., applied prior to the application of the interior composition as described in further detail below. [0042] One skilled in the art would recognize other materials that may be included in a glove that is consistent with the interior composition as described above. It is contemplated that such additional materials can be included in the interior composition.

[0043] Exterior Layer

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer may contact materials in the environment surrounding the wearer. The moisture repellant nature of the hydrophobic exterior layer may prevent materials from passing through the exterior layer, thereby maintain separation between the materials and the hand of the wearer. Additional, by repelling moisture on the glove, there is low buildup of liquid material on the gloves, allowing a wearer to touch different materials with reduced transfer of one material to another. Moreover, the repellant nature of the exterior layer can allow the gloves to be washed with soap and water to remove material that does build up on the gloves. Therefore, the hydrophobic exterior allows the gloves to be used for relatively long periods of time without needing to replace the gloves. The exterior layer is a thin layer that is thick enough to promote the above properties. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 1 to about 5 mils. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 1.5 to about 4 mils. In at least one embodiment, the interior layer can have a thickness of from about 2 to about 3 mils.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, portions of the exterior layer may contact or lay over the skin of the wearer. For example, the portion of the glove near the wrist of a wearer can be rolled into a cuff such that portions of the exterior may contact or lay over the skin of the wearer. In such embodiments, it is desirable that the overall nature of the exterior composition be such that it is generally safe for the skin. The exterior composition is preferably curable.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the exterior composition may include a curable polymer. The curable polymer in the exterior composition may be the same or different than the curable polymer in the interior composition. Preferably, the curable polymer is generally safe for the skin. One example class of a curable polymers is silicone rubbers. An exemplary silicon rubber is Novagard® 800 Series 800-610. As stated above, this silicone rubber is curable with UV light in seconds and produces a clear, elastomeric product. [0047] As mentioned above, some silicone rubbers are hydrophobic. However, in some embodiment it may be desirable to increase the hydrophobicity of curable polymer. Therefore, in such embodiments, the exterior composition may further include a hydrophobic additive. The hydrophobic additive can be mixed with the hydrophobic silicone rubber constituting the curable polymer such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable and hydrophobic in at least its second state. The hydrophobic additive is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary hydrophobic additive is hydrophobic silica aerogel.

[0048] In some cases, the gloves may be intended to be used in environments with likely exposure to microorganisms. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, it may be desirable to impugn the gloves with antimicrobial properties. In such embodiments, the exterior composition may further include an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the exterior composition such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable but is impugned with antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial agent is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary antimicrobial agent is zinc oxide.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer can be produced by spraying the exterior composition in its first state onto a substrate containing the interior layer and thereafter curing the exterior composition on the substrate to its second state. In at least one embodiment, the exterior layer can be produced by placing, e.g., dipping, a substrate containing the interior layer into a container containing the exterior composition in its first state, thereafter removing the substrate such that a portion of the exterior composition remains on the substrate, and thereafter curing the exterior composition on the substrate to its second state.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, e.g., where the exterior layer is produced from spraying the exterior composition, a certain viscosity range may be desirable to efficiently spray the exterior composition. In such embodiments, the exterior composition may further include a viscosity adjusting agent. The viscosity adjusting agent in the exterior composition may be the same or different than the viscosity adjusting agent in the interior composition. The viscosity adjusting agent can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the exterior composition such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable. The viscosity adjusting agent is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary viscosity adjusting agent is non reactive modified silicone fluid, such as Silicone Thinner™.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, it may be desirable for the exterior layer to be a particular color or include a particular hue. In such embodiments, the exterior composition may further include a pigment. The pigment in the exterior composition may be the same or different than the pigment in the interior composition. The pigment can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the exterior composition such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable. The pigment is preferably generally safe for the skin. In at least one embodiment, the pigment is a thermochromic pigment. As discussed above, the thermochromic pigment can allow the glove to change colors upon certain conditions or interactions, and can provide a visual signal to the wearer that certain conditions have occurred.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the curable composition might take longer to cure than desirable. In such embodiments, the exterior composition may further include a curing additive. The curing additive in the exterior composition may be the same or different than the curing additive in the interior composition. The curing additive can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the exterior composition such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable but cures quicker than the composition without the curing additive. The curing additive is preferably generally safe for the skin.

[0053] It is desirable that the glove, and particularly the exterior layer thereof, be able to withstand certain stresses caused by external forces. Therefore, in at least one embodiment, the exterior composition may further include a tensile strength increasing agent. The tensile strength increasing agent can be mixed with the other material(s) to be included in the exterior composition such that the resulting exterior composition remains curable but exhibits increased tensile strength in its second state than the composition without the tensile strength increasing agent. The tensile strength increasing agent is preferably generally safe for the skin. An exemplary tensile strength increasing agent is graphene oxide.

[0054] One skilled in the art would recognize other materials that may be included in a glove that is consistent with the exterior composition as described above. It is contemplated that such additional materials can be included in the exterior composition. [0055] Exemplary Process

[0056] As mentioned above, the interior layer and the exterior layer can be produced as a result of spraying the interior composition and the exterior composition, respectively, on a substrate or placing a substrate in a container containing the interior composition and a container containing the exterior composition, respectively. Along these lines, an exemplary embodiment of preparing a glove includes the follow steps.

[0057] First, a substrate is provided for receiving the glove. The substrate can be the hand of a wearer who intends to wear the glove, or a form representing the hand of an intended wearer, such as a mannequin hand.

[0058] Thereafter, an interior composition as described above is applied to the substrate in its first state. The application can be carried out by spraying the interior composition onto the substrate. Alternatively, the application can be carried out by other means, such as by placing the substrate into a container containing the interior composition. For example, the substrate can be dipped in the interior composition. Regardless of the application method, the application preferably fully covers the portion of the substrate constituting the hand or hand form. More specifically, the applied interior composition preferably fully covers the substrate from the tips of all the digits as well as the palm and back thereof to the portion constituting the wrist. This allows the interior layer of the glove to cover the hand of the wearer when the glove is completed.

[0059] Thereafter, the interior composition that has been applied to the substrate is cured from its first state to its second state to produce the interior layer of the glove. The curing can occur via any method compatible with the interior composition. For example, the interior composition can be cured via UV light, such as with one or more UV light emitting diodes (FEDs). Using UV FEDs, the curing of the interior composition can take place quickly, for example in less than 10 seconds. The UV light can have, e.g., a peak wavelength in the range of from about 360 to about 400 nm, including about 365 nm, about 370 nm, about 375 nm, about 380 nm, about 385 nm, about 390 nm, and about 395 nm. [0060] Thereafter, an exterior composition as described above is applied to the substrate containing the interior layer. The application can be carried out by spraying the exterior composition onto the cured interior layer on the substrate. Alternatively, the application can be carried out by other means, such as by placing the substrate with the cured interior layer into a container containing the exterior composition. For example, the substrate with the cured interior layer can be dipped in the exterior composition. Regardless of the application method, the application preferably fully covers the portion of the substrate cover with the interior layer. More specifically, the applied exterior composition preferably fully covers the substrate from the tips of all the digits as well as the palm and back thereof to the portion constituting the wrist. This allows the exterior layer of the glove to cover the hand of the wearer when the glove is completed.

[0061] Thereafter, the exterior composition that has been applied to the interior layer on the substrate is cured to produce the exterior layer of the glove. The curing can occur via any method compatible with the interior composition. For example, the interior composition can be cured via UV light, such as with one or more UV LEDs. Using UV LEDs, the curing of the interior composition can take place quickly, for example in less than 10 seconds or less than 5 seconds. The UV light can have, e.g., a peak wavelength in the range of 360 to 400 nm. If UV LEDs are used for curing the interior composition to produce the interior layer, the same or different UV LEDs can be used to produce the exterior layer from the exterior composition.

[0062] Additional steps can be included before, during, or at the end of any of the above steps. For example, in at least one embodiment, it may be beneficial to apply a sanitation agent to the substrate prior to the application of the interior composition in order to ensure that the substrate is in a good condition to receive the interior composition. In at least one embodiment, in may be beneficial to apply an anti-stick agent o the hand or hand form prior to the application of in the interior composition to aid in minimizing the adhesion of the interior composition to the substrate upon the curing thereof to the second. In other words, to allow the glove to be removed from the skin without causing injury or irritation. In at least one embodiment, it may be desirable to apply a sanitizing agent to the glove at the end of the process to ensure that the glove is ready to be used in certain environments requiring sanitization, e.g., in certain situations in the medical field. For example, an active sanitizing agent, such as Microban™ 24-Hour Activated Sanitizing Spray, may be applied to the exterior layer after it has cured or dried.

[0063] Use of Glove

[0064] After the glove is fully produced, the wearer can either use the glove on their hand if the substrate was their hand, or can remove the glove from the hand form and place the glove on their hand for use if the substrate was a hand form. Alternatively, the glove can be saved for future use. In either case, the glove can be used, washed and/or sanitized while being worn, removed, and re- worn after being removed. In at least one embodiment, a method of sanitization includes washing a glove with soap and water and then applying a sterilizer, such as a sanitizer, for example a hand sanitizer.

[0065] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to

“about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it is to be appreciate that the particular value forms another embodiment. Moreover, when a range such as 5-25 (or 5 to 25) is expressed herein, it is to be appreciated that this also includes preferably at least or more than 5 and, separately and independently, preferably not more than or less than 25. In an example, such a range defines independently at least 5, and separately and independently, not more than 25.

[0066] The relative terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal as would be understood by those skilled in the art. It is to be appreciated that other relative terms are to be similarly understood.

[0067] While principles and modes of operation have been explained and illustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it must be understood, however, that this may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A glove comprising: an interior layer being a hydrophilic layer, said interior layer comprising: a first curable polymer; an exterior layer being a hydrophobic layer, said exterior layer comprising: a second curable polymer, and an antimicrobial agent dispersed throughout said exterior layer.

2. The glove of claim 0, said first curable polymer being a silicone rubber.

3. The glove of claim 0, said interior layer further comprising a hydrophilic additive.

4. The glove of claim 3, said hydrophilic additive being a hydrophilic silica aerogel.

5. The glove of claim 0, said second curable polymer being a silicone rubber.

6. The glove of claim 0, said antimicrobial agent being zinc oxide.

7. The glove of claim 0, said exterior layer further comprising a hydrophobic additive.

8. The glove of claim 7, said hydrophobic additive being a hydrophobic silica aerogel.

9. The glove of claim 0, said exterior layer further comprising a viscosity adjusting agent.

10. The glove of claim 9, said viscosity reducing agent being a non-reactive modified silicone fluid.

11. The glove of claim 0, said exterior layer further comprising a tensile strength increasing agent.

12. The glove of claim 11, said tensile strength increasing agent being graphene oxide.

13. A method of preparing a glove comprising an interior layer and an exterior layer, said interior layer being a hydrophilic layer and said exterior layer being a hydrophilic layer, said method comprising: providing a substrate comprising: a hand of a user or a form representing the hand of a user; thereafter applying a first composition to said substrate, said first composition comprising: a first curable polymer; thereafter curing said first composition that has been applied to said substrate to produce said interior layer of said glove; thereafter applying a second composition to said interior layer of said glove, said second composition comprising: a second curable polymer; and an antimicrobial substance dispersed throughout said second composition; thereafter curing said second composition that has been applied to said interior of said glove to produce said exterior layer of said glove on said interior layer.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein applying said first composition to said substrate comprises spraying said first composition onto said substrate.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein curing said first composition to produce said interior layer comprises exposing said first composition on said substrate to ultraviolet light.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein applying said second composition to said interior layer comprises spraying said second composition onto said interior layer.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein curing said second composition to produce said exterior layer comprises exposing said second composition on said interior layer to ultraviolet light.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after curing said second composition to produce said exterior layer, removing said glove from said substrate in one piece.