Gore-Tex is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates best known for its use in relation to waterproof/breathable fabrics. Gore-Tex was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore (1912-1986) and his son, Robert W. For its invention, Robert W. Gore was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006.

Gore-Tex materials are typically based on thermo-mechanically expanded polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and other Fluoropolymer products. They are used in a wide variety of applications such as high performance fabrics, medical implants, filter media, insulation for wires and cables, gaskets and sealants.

Gore-Tex based fabric material is composed of a thin, porous fluoropolymer membrane with a urethane coating that is bonded to a fabric, usually nylon or polyester. The membrane has about 9 billion pores per square inch, each of which is approximately 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, making it impenetrable to liquid water while still allowing the smaller sized water vapor to pass through through. The result is a material which is breathable, yet waterproof and also windproof. The outer fabric is treated with water repellent and seams are sealed to prevent water leakage through pinholes caused during the sewing of the fabric. The urethane coating provides a protective layer and also prevents contamination (i.e. body oils) from wetting the laminate and allowing wicking of moisture through the membrane.

The best known application for Gore-Tex fabrics is in outdoor activity clothing. In this context, it helps keep the wearer protected from the wind and rain, while nonetheless allowing sweat to evaporate and escape. This is in contrast to traditional plastic raincoats, for example, which lack breathability and therefore promote a build up of humidity in the air inside the coat, preventing sweat from evaporating effectively.

The first commercial consumer product using Gore-Tex was a tent called the Light Dimension that was created and sold by the Seattle firm, Early Winters, Ltd., in 1976.

Gore requires that all garments made from their material have taping over the seams, to eliminate leaks.

Gore's sister product, Windstopper, is similar to Gore-Tex in being windproof and breathable, but is not waterproof.

Gore-tex in popular culture

On the television sitcom Seinfeld, George Costanza wears a puffy Gore-tex jacket (see The Dinner Party).

External links

• W.L. Gore website
• Gore-Tex and Windstopper fabrics
• How Goretex works, types of Goretex and the various uses of the fabric.

Textiles

Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Goretex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex