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Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

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Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#12
post #3

It's pretty popular in Germany and the name and logo is often found on outdoor clothing. I always wondered if the name is the same in English speaking countries, or if it's different because of its negative connotations. Apparently it's just a not too uncommon family name (Al Gore comes to mind) and also used as brand name in English speaking countries. People get so upset about Toot and Coq and Gimp, but Gore seems…

It's quite popular in the US as well, marketed as Gore-TEX.

Popular, but also reputed to lean on manufacturers to use its waterproof fabrics and no others, or else:

https://gearinstitute.com/ftc-investigates-gore-tex-business...

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/insane-membrane/

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#13
post #3

It's pretty popular in Germany and the name and logo is often found on outdoor clothing. I always wondered if the name is the same in English speaking countries, or if it's different because of its negative connotations. Apparently it's just a not too uncommon family name (Al Gore comes to mind) and also used as brand name in English speaking countries. People get so upset about Toot and Coq and Gimp, but Gore seems…

It's quite popular in the US as well, marketed as Gore-TEX.

But is it pronounced GORE-teks or gore-TEK?

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#14
The interesting thing about Gore-TEX is that is no longer patented, and is merely a licensed trademark that brands pay for. The Gore company certifies the designs, and it goes well beyond stretched PTFE. They require a final level of breathability, waterproof seams, various construction techniques, etc.

Bob Gore is known for being a savvy businessman, and this is one example of how to turn a 20 year patent into a 100 year revenue stream.

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#17
The article doesn't mention (other than a brief nod to the brand) the other massive use of PTFE, none sticks surfaces originally under the Teflon brand, most commonly found on cookware. It truly is a "magic" material.

Teflon and other PTFE based none stick surfaces are now really quite controversial due to the toxic gasses they can give off of you heat them too high. And the manufacturing processes is potentially linked to a higher risk of cancer for workers.

The industry is now moving away from PTFE to other materials for none stick surfaces, however although they proclaim these are "safe", they have been studied far less. I believe some evidence is indicative of them also having serious issues.

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#18
I recently learned in order for a product to have the Gore-Tex label, not only do you have to license the process/formula from them, but you have to send engineering samples to them and they perform their own independent testing before allowing you to actually sell the product.

There’s no doubt part of the success is the chemistry of the product, but the required independent testing to very high standards also likely plays a large part in the quality of the final products.

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#19

The article doesn't mention (other than a brief nod to the brand) the other massive use of PTFE, none sticks surfaces originally under the Teflon brand, most commonly found on cookware. It truly is a "magic" material. Teflon and other PTFE based none stick surfaces are now really quite controversial due to the toxic gasses they can give off of you heat them too high. And the manufacturing processes is potentially lin…

Actually, Teflon on pans and cooking. Where is quite bad. It flakes off quite easily and you just ingest it. Go with ceramic, it’s much better for you.

This is just one search result, there are many This is just one search result, there are many: https://www.foxnews.com/health/non-stick-pans-could-release-...

Re: Gore-TEX, a lightweight, waterproof fabric made from the expanded form of PTFE

#20

The article doesn't mention (other than a brief nod to the brand) the other massive use of PTFE, none sticks surfaces originally under the Teflon brand, most commonly found on cookware. It truly is a "magic" material. Teflon and other PTFE based none stick surfaces are now really quite controversial due to the toxic gasses they can give off of you heat them too high. And the manufacturing processes is potentially lin…

Yeah, Adam Ragusea has a decent video[0] covering PFAS coating safety and production concerns; I hadn't realized how bad the factory side of things were prior to this - I only knew that overheating a teflon coated pan will destroy the coating, release toxic gas, and... kill any pet birds in your apartment :(

0: https://youtu.be/vZ1KmVmpC8o

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