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What makes Gore-Tex so good?
Each square inch of the GORE-TEX membrane has nine billion pores. Each of these tiny holes is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. That’s what we mean by breathable—and it’s what makes products made with the GORE-TEX membrane so much more than just waterproof. …
What does Gore-Tex mean?
Put simply, GORE-TEX is a durable, breathable waterproof and windproof fabric found in lots of outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories. GORE-TEX is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (or ePTFE for short – phew!), which was created by Bob Gore in 1969 when he rapidly stretched PTFE under certain conditions.
What is Goretex fabric used for?
GORE-TEX is primarily used in outdoor apparel and sportswear, but this fabric is also commonly used in accessories like gloves and shoes. Less commonly, GORE-TEX may even be used in industrial and medical applications.
Is Goretex a good insulator?
The production of ribbon cable was the first Gore commercial venture. Even though Wibert Gore imagined his new material as an insulator for wires, now pure Gore-Tex wires are used in some situations. PTFE has outstanding electrical properties and is chemically inert.
How many pores are in Goretex membrane?
GORE-TEX® Membrane. It contains over 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, making the GORE-TEX® membrane functionally waterproof, while at the same time allowing perspiration to escape from the inside.
How do you keep Goretex waterproof?
To remain effective, GORE-TEX fabric must be treated regularly with durable water repellent (DWR), a toxic chemical spray that wears off over the course of a few years. While DWR is not necessary to keep GORE-TEX waterproof, this substance keeps water off the surface of GORE-TEX fabric, allowing breathability.