Evaluation of anti-vibration properties in work gloves using novel 3D knitted padding

Elastomeric materials are commonly used as the padding of anti-vibration gloves for damping purposes. This study investigates the use of a breathable 3D knitted padding for vibration isolation in anti-vibration gloves. Sixteen (16) knitted fabric samples with different spacer structures, silicone inlay patterns, and inlay materials are produced to evaluate their effect on vibration transmissibility for a frequency range of 0-1000 Hz according to ISO13753:2008. The samples with the spacer structure that shows the best vibration isolation performance are made into the paddings for an anti-vibration glove which is then compared with four commercially available anti-vibration gloves in terms of vibration transmissibility based on ISO10819:2013. The results show that a thicker spacer structure with a larger number of needles in between the tuck stitches and inlaid with silicone hollow tubes can better isolate vibration. The vibration isolation performance of the 3D knitted fabric padded glove outperforms two commercially available gloves, though it falls short of the certified options. The findings show the possibility of using 3D knitted fabric as padding for anti-vibration gloves. However, further improvements to the glove and fabric design are needed to enhance the function and effectiveness of the glove. The development of lightweight breathable knitted padding can promote the wearing comfort of anti-vibration gloves which benefits the workers using vibrating hand tools and advances the development of personal protection equipment.