GORE-TEX®
GORE-TEX® fabric was the first highly durable and windproof, waterproof/breathable fabric to be introduced to outdoor enthusiasts. Since 1976, continuous improvements have been made to GORE-TEX® fabrics to meet an ever-increasing demand for highly functional and specialised fabrics. GORE-TEX® fabric is recognised as the most durable waterproof/breathable fabric available.
The GORE-TEX® membrane The bicomponent GORE-TEX® membrane consists of a composite of two unique materials with exceptional mechanical and chemical stability. The expanded PTFE (ePTFE) portion of the membrane contains over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square cm. These pores are much smaller than a droplet of liquid water, but much larger than a vapour molecule. Water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX® membrane, but as moisture vapour (a gas), it can pass through easily.
Integrated into the ePTFE structure is an oleophobic, or oil-hating, substance which allows moisture vapour to pass through, but is a physical barrier that prevents the penetration of contaminating substances such as oils, cosmetics, insect repellents and food substances, which could otherwise affect waterproof performance. Because the oleophobic substance is totally air-impermeable, the bicomponent membrane is totally windproof.
The GORE-TEX® membrane The bicomponent GORE-TEX® membrane consists of a composite of two unique materials with exceptional mechanical and chemical stability. The expanded PTFE (ePTFE) portion of the membrane contains over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square cm. These pores are much smaller than a droplet of liquid water, but much larger than a vapour molecule. Water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX® membrane, but as moisture vapour (a gas), it can pass through easily.
Integrated into the ePTFE structure is an oleophobic, or oil-hating, substance which allows moisture vapour to pass through, but is a physical barrier that prevents the penetration of contaminating substances such as oils, cosmetics, insect repellents and food substances, which could otherwise affect waterproof performance. Because the oleophobic substance is totally air-impermeable, the bicomponent membrane is totally windproof.