VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG EINES VERNETZTEN ELASTOMERS

Preparation of a cross-linked elastomer comprises preparing a mixture comprising at least a latex (2) and at least an initiator component (3) for activating the cross-linking reaction and/or a latex containing at least an initiator component(s), in liquid phase and exposing the latex mixture in UV-light; where a photo-initiator that forms a reactive species on exposing to electromagnetic radiation in UV-light and/or visible spectral range is used as the initiator component. Independent claims are included for: (1) a method for preparing a latex product in a pre-definable form comprising cross-linking the latex, molding the latex before or after the cross-linking process, and optionally post-cross-linking the latex; (2) a method for preparing a dipping article from at least the latex, preferably a glove or a condom comprising immersing a mold with an external contour corresponding to the dipping article into a dip bath containing a mixture containing the latex for a pre-definable time, optionally again immersing the article in a dip bath containing a coagulation agent, subsequently solidifying and drying the article; (3) a mixture for preparing the latex product comprising the latex and optionally auxiliary materials; (4) gloves, preferably medical or surgical gloves obtained from at least an elastomer, and cross-linked with the initiator component, where the initiator components and/or decomposition products from the initiator components during the photolysis are optionally immobilized on the elastomer molecules; and (5) device (1) for the preparation of cross-linked elastomer comprising a reactor (5) containing the mixture with an energy source (6), which can produce electromagnetic radiation in UV-light and/or visible spectral range.