Whenever using a specialist wash or proofing agent please carefully read the instructions before use
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.
GORE-TEX® PACLITE® fabric uses a protective layer on the membrane made from an oil-hating substance and carbon. This oil-hating, or oleophobic substance allows water vapour to pass through, but is a physical barrier that prevents contamination from oil cosmetics, insect repellent and food substances, which could otherwise affect the waterproof performance.
Gore's advanced processing techniques used to apply the oleophobic substance and to integrate the carbon allow the membrane to retain adequate durability. No separate lining is required which means that GORE-TEX® PACLITE® clothing is lighter and smaller to pack away than products made of 2-layer or 3-layer laminates.
For more information on Gore-tex visit
http://www.gore-tex.co.uk/