Gore-Tex
Gore -Tex (pronounced [ 'go: ɐ̯tɛks ], in German also common [ ' go: rɛtɛks ] ) is the trade name of WL Gore & Associates, Newark, Delaware for a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or trade name: Teflon ) existing water-, but vapor- permeable membrane is used for production of functional textiles.
In 1969, the U.S. chemist Robert W. Gore discovered a novel method for processing polytetrafluoroethylene. This method consisted in part is mechanically expanding the PTFE to obtain a microporous membrane, the ePTFE membrane.
Operation
Only small amounts of the polymer is required to provide this comfort, lattice-like structure. ePTFE is used in various forms for the gas and liquid filtration, in sealing technology and medical implants. Best known but are the Gore -Tex - functional textiles.
Water vapor permeability
Water drops are about 20,000 times greater than the pores in a Gore-Tex membrane. Therefore, the membrane is very impermeable to water and wind. Body moisture is allowed to pass, however, as water vapor, so it is breathable. Gore -Tex fabrics were at their launch in 1976, the first waterproof and windproof fabrics, which were vapor permeable, and thus permitted the removal (diffusion) of evaporated sweat, which is very important for temperature regulation of the body.
In an application with higher requirements in terms of durability and breathability suitable Gore -Tex XCR (extended comfort range), which was introduced commercially in 2000. Unlike Gore -Tex clothing here come one more powerful membrane technology and particularly durable textiles. Meanwhile XCR was replaced by Gore -Tex Pro Shell.
The undergarment must support the membrane by allowing the perspiration is transported, rather than being absorbed. Cotton is therefore not recommended, better synthetic fibers or fine wool, such as Merino wool.
Care
The pores of Gore -Tex clothing could be closed by remnants of powdered laundry detergent. Therefore recommended liquid detergent is to be used. Gore -Tex clothing may be sensitive to tumble, so sure to read the fabric care symbols must be observed.
Products
Currently there are in the area outerwear five different categories. Here are all equally wind-and waterproof.
Production
In the manufacture of the multilayer Gore-Tex fabric laminates of the ePTFE membrane of textiles, generally of polyester or polyamide, is glued permanently and flexibly ( " laminated "). These Gore -Tex laminates are then processed into items of clothing (jackets, pants, shoes, gloves ). The seams are sealed with special sweatbands. Since the processing to high-quality, durable clothing made of special know- how and machinery requires, Gore -Tex laminates are sold only to certified processing plants.
Use
Gore -Tex membranes are now processed in virtually all types of outerwear parts and also in shoes to make the parts of a premises equipment waterproof.
In the bicycle art there by the company Gore particularly low-maintenance shift and brake cables, where between Bowden and outer shell, a Gore -Tex layer is applied, on the one hand protects the system against splashing water and also can be particularly smooth-running trains.
In medicine, Gore -Tex implants and patch materials in cardiac and vascular surgery for vascular prostheses used in hernia sac formations ( hernia ) and in ophthalmic surgery in deep corneal ulcers.
Criticism
As with all materials containing halogenated hydrocarbons, the disposal is problematic and Gore -Tex.