Graphene glove for firefighters awarded the MTP SAWO Gold Medal
Dr Emilia Irzmańska, project leader from CIOP‑PIB (third from the right), and Dr Magdalena Jurczyk‑Kowalska (second from the right) from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology received the awards
The product, developed as part of a research and development project carried out by the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP PIB) in cooperation with the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology and the companies Gloves Technologies and Andropol SA, was awarded the MTP SAWO 2026 Gold Medal. The solution also received the Grand Prix of the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service.
The graphene glove was designed to ensure maximum safety and ergonomic working conditions for firefighters. It combines two key features: a high level of thermal and mechanical protection and full hand dexterity. The meta‑aramid fabric used in the glove is coated with a unique silicone composition enriched with graphene and silicon carbide, which provides exceptional grip precision and increased resistance to high temperatures in line with the PN‑EN 659+A1:2010 standard. Compared with solutions currently available on the market, the glove offers improved functional performance, particularly in situations that require precise rescue operations.
“The faculty conducted research aimed at developing an optimal hybrid silicone coating layer with the addition of graphene and silicon carbide, produced samples for preliminary tests, and carried out fundamental studies of the materials used in the construction of the graphene glove,” explains Dr Magdalena Jurczyk‑Kowalska from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology, co‑author of the developed solution.
The recognised product has been submitted to the Polish Patent Office. The graphene glove is the result of a three‑year project (No. I.PN.05) titled “Hybrid fibre‑forming materials modified with graphene for firefighter gloves”, carried out under Stage VI of the multi‑annual programme “Government Programme for Improving Safety and Working Conditions” for the years 2023–2025. The project was financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as part of research and development activities.
Graphene glove for firefighters
The awards confirm the high quality of cooperation between science and industry and the real impact of research on the development of modern personal protective equipment.
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