This is blog #2 in our "Truth in Safety" series, where we debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding PPE. In an industry flooded with bold claims and confusing standards, we provide the facts you need to make informed safety decisions for you and your team. No fluff, no hype—just the truth from the trusted safety experts who have your back.
In the world of safety gloves and buzzwords, bold claims often dominate the conversation, influencing purchasing decisions. Although it’s been around for years, recent conversations have resurfaced around many companies using a compound called graphene, hailed as a revolutionary material for its incredible strength and advanced properties. But are gloves claiming to use graphene living up to these promises?
At HexArmor®, we prioritize transparency and believe in separating fact from fiction. Let’s break down the science behind graphene claims—and why they might not hold up under closer inspection. If you think you’re getting gloves "200 times stronger than steel" at a budget price, think again.
Graphene vs. graphene oxide: The key difference
What is graphene?
Graphene is known for its extraordinary strength – it’s up to 200 times stronger than steel. It’s a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, and thanks to graphene’s unique hexagonal structure, each carbon atom is bonded to at least three others.
The catch: Pure graphene is extremely expensive, costing approximately $400 per gram. Incorporating it into gloves would make them anything but cost-effective.
Buyer beware: Gloves marketed as “graphene-infused” don’t use pure graphene. Instead, they rely on graphene oxide, a related but significantly weaker material.
What is graphene oxide?
Graphene oxide (GO) is an oxidized form of graphene with notable differences:
- Graphene oxide is far weaker than pure graphene due to oxidation, which disrupts its molecular structure
- It cannot claim the "200 times stronger than steel" benchmark
- To make it usable in glove yarns, graphene oxide is often mixed with other materials, such as glass-based slurries or metal powders—contradicting claims of "no glass, no metal."
The takeaway: Many companies choose to use graphene oxide because it offers flexibility in modifying its properties, even though it sacrifices the true strength found in pure graphene.
The marketing misdirection:
Some glove manufacturers leverage the reputation of graphene by using graphene oxide, blurring the lines between the two materials.
Weaker performance: Graphene oxide lacks graphene’s mechanical properties and is often reinforced with additives like glass or metal, compromising the "pure graphene" narrative.
Misleading claims: Even graphene oxide is expensive, priced at around $50 per gram, making it less cost-effective and less protective than steel or metal fiber alternatives.
The truth behind “graphene” claims:
A recent study tested gloves from five leading manufacturers claiming to include graphene or graphene additives. The results?
- Only one glove (Glove E) contained something resembling graphene oxide, and it still failed to demonstrate superior strength.
- The rest (Gloves A through D) contained no graphene family materials at all. Instead, they relied on standard additives like silicon carbide, graphite (a less advanced material), and even glass or metal fibers.
Worse still, some of these gloves made bold claims about achieving ANSI/ISEA 105-2023 A9 cut resistance levels—a cut level that’s impossible to achieve with the materials they contain. For context, while pure graphene has incredible theoretical strength, gloves incorporating graphene oxide or its additives are unlikely to surpass level A6 in cut resistance.
The takeaway: Many “graphene” gloves are marketing gimmicks that exaggerate performance metrics and make unverified claims that fail to deliver the advanced protection they promise.
Safety gloves are supposed to protect...
This type of misinformation isn’t just unethical – it's dangerous. Workers depend on accurate ratings and information to choose gloves that protect them from serious injuries – and misleading claims put their hands, health, and safety at risk.
When companies claim to use “no blended fiberglass” in their gloves, it’s important to look at the fine print. Let’s look at what goes into making the leading patented graphene oxide glove yarn at a factory in Asia that’s partnered with some of our competitors.
“A method for preparing an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite fiber, comprising: preparing a fiberglass premix: dispersing fiberglass in a first white oil to obtain the fiberglass premix; prepare a graphene suspension premix: grind the graphene suspension, filter, then add the filter residue to a second white oil, and then add a first UHMWPE to the second white oil containing the graphene filter residue, heat the premix up to 80 ° C to 90 ° C, and after it has not bubbled, raise the temperature to 135 ° C to 170 ° C, and hold for 2.5 to 4.5 h; preparing a spinning mix: mixing the fiberglass premix, graphene slurry premix, a second UHMWPE, an antioxidant and a third white oil to obtain the spinning mix; swelling and mixing the spin mixture to form a molten state; extruding the spin mixture that is in the molten state; cool to form a gel spin; and obtaining the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite fiber from the gel spinning.”
Takeaway: When companies claim “no blended fiberglass” or “pure graphene,” the fine print often reveals otherwise. Gloves made with graphene oxide yarn still involve fiberglass and other additives they claim to exclude—and it’s also made clear that pure graphene doesn’t exist.
Why HexArmor® does not use graphene or graphene oxide in gloves
We’ve said it before: Safety isn’t a luxury – it's a necessity, which is why our commitment to giving you quality PPE you can trust is our top priority. Here’s why we don’t use graphene or graphene oxide in our gloves.
Strength you can trust
Our gloves are built with a combination of steel core or metal fiber yarns and advanced composite materials that offer unmatched durability and cut resistance. Graphene oxide, on the other hand, is structurally weaker due to its disrupted molecular structure, making it an inferior option compared to proven high-performance materials like the ones we use.
How do you know our materials are high quality?
Because we test them rigorously. Every HexArmor® glove undergoes both in-house and third-party testing to ensure you get accurate, real results about the protective materials inside. That means the cut resistance, durability, and performance we promise are backed by verified data—not just marketing claims.
Cost-effectiveness
Pure graphene is prohibitively expensive, and graphene oxide doesn’t offer enough performance improvement to justify its cost.
Exclusive HexArmor® technology:
In addition to our stringently tested seamless Helix® line, we also have other proven technologies. At the heart is our exclusively-licensed SuperFabric® brand material, engineered to handle the toughest hazards workers face on the job.
SuperFabric® delivers ANSI/ISEA level A6-A9 cut resistance and surpasses CE level 5 cut resistance, providing proven protection where it matters most. But it doesn’t stop there—SuperFabric® also offers exceptional puncture, needlestick, and abrasion resistance, ensuring workers are shielded from sharp objects and other dangerous hazards.
Looking for a glove that lives up to the hype?
If you’re looking for a glove that actually delivers the highest level of cut resistance—without misleading claims —meet the Helix® 3062. This glove doesn’t just claim A9 cut resistance; it’s tested, proven, and built for real-world protection.
The Helix® 3062 offers exceptional protection against blades and sharps. With ANSI/ISEA level A9 cut resistance, this glove features an unrivaled tungsten-blend knit with an 18-gauge HPPE material/metal fiber shell.
Plus, the reinforced thumb saddle provides long-lasting abrasion resistance, extending the gloves' lifespan and keeping your hands safer for longer.
HexArmor® can help
While graphene might sound like a solution for PPE, its practical application—especially in gloves—is far from realized. With HexArmor®, you’re investing in safety gear that delivers real results, not marketing hype.
When it comes to protecting what matters most, trust integrity, proven materials, and performance-driven designs. Have questions about our gloves? We’re here to help you choose the right glove for your industry.
Let us know if you need help or are ready to start a trial – our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.
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