"Since its
introduction in 1978,
Goretex® membrane
technology has set
the ‘gold standard’
in breathable
waterproof
fabrics."
up to 50% of their own weight in water
between the fibers. This is called ‘wet-out.’
In addition, DWR typically wears off after a
few washings.
GoreTex® and similar laminated
fabrics
Since its introduction in 1978, Goretex®
membrane technology has set the ‘gold
standard’ in breathable waterproof fabrics.
Goretex, along with other laminated
membrane technologies, is achieved by
laminating a film to high-performance
textiles, then sealing them with a solution
for guaranteed waterproof protection.
Each microporous structure of the Goretex
membrane is about 20,000 times smaller
than a drop of water and 700 times bigger
than a water vapor* molecule. This allows
perspiration from the body to easily
evaporate through the membrane yet
repel water from its surface. Goretex also
advertises their technology as windproof.
Encapsulated fabrics
Discovered by accident after a hot air
balloon gave its passengers a scary crash
landing, the inventor of this technology, a
passenger on the fated trip, knew little about
dirigibles and polymer sciences. Dirigibles
are made of strong, tightly woven and coated
synthetic fabric. The problem with that type
of material is when a substantial temperature
difference occurs on both sides of the fabric;
Current Pedorthics | November/December 2018
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