It is a textile product made by W.L. Gore & Associates. It is rainproof and windtight and additionally boasts of excellent comfort. This fabric has set the standards in the world of watertight, breathable garments. The fabric has millions of microscopic holes that allow water vapor to pass through but do let in water.
It all started in 1958 when the inventor Wilbert Gore realized that there was an opportunity for business in polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE which is better known as DuPont Teflon. He started using it for insulating electronic wires but his son found that PTFE could be stretched out to form a long porous material. This unique speciality led to the material being used in various spheres like:
· Protective wear for outdoor activities are very popular in this material. Hikers, cyclists, hunters and others involved in outdoor sports or work love the footwear made out of this material. Other products popular among this group of people are gloves, mittens, jackets and hats etc.
· Marine footwear uses gore-tex lining because it provides breathability. Some gear in this sphere is produced specially to not only provide waterproof capabilities but also insulated to add warmth for minus zero degree temperature.
· There are myriad uses of this fiber in industrial and commercial areas like being used in gaskets, membrane filter bags and protective vents etc.
· Military protective gear is made of this material since the requirement is exactly what this textile’s unique feature provides. The military often encounter harsh and rugged surroundings where there protective wear made out of this material provides them comfort as well.
· In the Aerospace industry it is used in the outer layer of astronaut’s suits since it can resist degradation from UV rays and is also able to withstand extreme temperatures.
· Hospitals use this material in their bedding. It is also used in some surgeries like bladder repair!
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