It has a low friction coefficient, which means it is smooth to the touch. It functions over a wide temperature range and has good aging qualities. It is porous, air permeable, strong, hydrophobic, biocompatible and weather durable. Gore-Tex is PTFE that has been processed into new physical forms.
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What is GORE-TEX used for?
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. However, Gore-Tex fabric is best known for its use in protective, yet breathable, rainwear.
What type of material is GORE-TEX?
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
GORE-TEX is a patented type of waterproof fabric made with a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) known as expanded PTFE (ePTFE). As one of the first flexible waterproof fabrics invented, GORE-TEX remains a highly popular waterproofing material with few significant competitors.
How is GORE-TEX waterproof?
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. This is what makes the membrane in everything in the original GORE-TEX products range waterproof: rain and snow simply cannot get in.
What are the benefits of GORE-TEX technology?
THE BENEFITS OF GORE-TEX
- 100% WATERPROOF.
- OPTIMUM BREATHABILITY.
- WINDPROOF.
- LIGHTWEIGHT.
- INCREDIBLY DURABLE, EVEN IN THE HARSHEST CONDITIONS.
Is Gore-Tex fully waterproof?
Original GORE-TEX products offer guaranteed waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. So if your heart rate is going to rise and a strong wind and rain are forecast, some GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear and a jacket made with GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ product technology could be just what you need.
Is Gore-Tex better than waterproof?
While the Gore-Tex membrane belongs to the “waterproof” category and is therefore perfectly suited for extreme weather conditions, Gore-Tex-Infinium belongs to the “water-repellent” category. It is therefore very much suitable for everyday use, while Gore-Tex is more suitable for everyday use and everything beyond.
What level of waterproof is Gore-Tex?
A Gore-Tex® shell can withstand about 40 psi of water pressure. This higher rating can become necessary if you’re kneeling on snowpack or carrying a heavy pack in the rain, which puts additional pressure on the fabric. A “mm/24 hours” rating refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a single day.
Are there different levels of Gore-Tex?
Which GORE-TEX is for You? Most GORE-TEX outerwear for skiing is either GORE-TEX 2L or 3L, PRO (3L) or Active(3L). Paclite (2.5L) and SHAKEDRY are typically specialty styles used for running and cycling. They can be used for skiing, but they are less durable than the alternatives.
Why is it called Gore-Tex?
ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, is created by Bill’s son Bob Gore when he rapidly stretches PTFE under certain conditions. The result is an incredibly strong, microporous material with an amazing list of characteristics, including low water adsorption and good weathering properties.
What are the disadvantages of Gore-Tex?
What are the Disadvantages of Gore-Tex?
- Gore-Tex is Expensive. With publicity and prestige comes a price tag to match.
- Performance Tapers Slowly Over Time.
- Seams are Always a Weakness.
- Difficult to Care for.
- Made from Chemicals.
- Some Gore-Tex Products can be Hit or Miss.
Is Gore-Tex good for hot weather?
Gore-Tex is a highly breathable waterproof material to keep you from getting too hot. The Gore-tex lining does make them somewhat less breathable (thus a little warmer). I still wear them all year round, and if you are doing any extended hikes where you need dry feet, waterproof is more important than cool.
How long does Gore-Tex last?
Gore-Tex isn’t forever
Even powerful Gore-Tex has a lifespan. For people that use their gear daily, this lifetime can range from three to five years while those who use less frequency can get close to 15 years out of their garments.
How strong is Gore-Tex?
How does Gore-Tex Work? Famously marketed as “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry”, Gore-Tex is waterproof and windproof. The microscopic pores of a Gore-Tex membrane are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, meaning no water can pass through fabrics bonded with the membrane.
Can you wash Gore-Tex?
Wash your GORE-TEX garment in the washing machine in warm (105°F/40°C) water. For the best results, use a small amount of liquid detergent. Please do not use powder detergents, fabric softener or chlorine bleach.
Is Gore-Tex flammable?
In chemical situations, meanwhile, our fabrics protect against heat and toxins. In addition to being chemically inert and minimally flammable, ePTFE is engineered in these situations to repel contaminated particulates.
Does salt water damage GORE-TEX?
Salt water does not contaminate, clog the pores, decrease the breathability, alter or harm GORE-TEX fabric. So sail, paddle and cruise away with confidence! Salt is a desiccant, meaning it attracts moisture and will mask the DWR of the garment.
Can GORE-TEX lose its waterproofness?
Waterproofing a Gore-Tex Jacket will eventually be required because despite the inner layer being a breathable waterproof membrane, the outer layer (shell) of the jacket will lose its waterproofing, soak up water and stay wet, blocking the effect of the Gore Tex.
Can GORE-TEX leak?
Serious Leaks
If you notice significant moisture inside your GORE-TEX outerwear after just a few minutes in the rain, you may have a leak or more serious problem. Possible causes include a defective seam, a problem with the fabric or damage to the garment.
Is anything better than Gore-Tex?
The most sustainable GORE-TEX alternative fabric is waxed cotton. Waxed cotton is exactly like it sounds: wax (typically beeswax or linseed) is applied to cotton, giving the cloth a hydrophobic coating.
How expensive is Gore-Tex?
In addition to being the best-known membrane fabric out there, it’s also the most expensive. Many Gore-Tex shells start at around $500. Some, like Arc’teryx’s top-end Alpha SV jacket (men’s/women’s), are near the $1,000 mark.