D4679-21 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide

🔍 Scope and Materials Overview

ASTM D4679-21 specifies the requirements for rubber-like latex gloves intended for household, beautician, or general purpose use. The standard applies to unsupported gloves, with or without a flock lining, made from natural or synthetic materials. Its primary goal is to serve as a guide for obtaining gloves of consistent performance, while the safe and proper use of the gloves remains outside the scope of the specification.

Per Section 3, any rubber-like material—whether natural, synthetic, or another polymer compound—that allows the glove to meet the specification’s requirements is acceptable. Section 4 further mandates that the gloves exhibit a uniform finish and be free from visual defects such as discoloration, thin spots, air bubbles, embedded particles, and tackiness.

⚙️ Performance Requirements and Test Methods

To ensure consistent quality, Section 6 outlines specific requirements. Gloves must be free from holes, consistent in design, conform to physical dimensions, and demonstrate acceptable physical property characteristics. These properties are evaluated using rigorous test methods that quantify initial strength and resistance to aging.

The required physical properties and their respective test methods are summarized below. Performance requirements are limited to minimum physical properties initially and after heat aging in accordance with Section 8.5 because testing for all possible use situations is impractical.

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