MIRACLE MATERIAL

Gore-tex uses EPTFE to repel water yet preserve breathability, but that’s not its only use

When Roy Plunkett discovered Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), it was a turning point for the already enormous chemical giant Dupont, which used the material to create Teflon. When Bob Gore stretched it under heat and created EPTFE, it transformed a small family business into a multi-billion-dollar international conglomerate. Here are a few applications of the wonder material:

WIMBLEDON ROOF Wimbledon’s Centre Court roof, which allows play during rain, is constructed entirely with Gore’s Tenara fabric, which uses EPTFE to repel water while allowing UV light through.

MEDICAL Gore-tex is biocompatible (not harmful to living tissue) so is used in several medical applications, such as the gauzes installed during hernia surgery and synthetic valves for heart operations.

GUITAR STRINGS Gore owns Elixir, whose guitar strings are renowned for their longevity, although some purists criticise the sound quality.

AEROSPACE CABLES Gore materials were used in Apollo 11’s lunar module, and the company continues to supply cabling that insulates fibre-optic or ethernet wires against extreme temperature change and extreme electrical, environmental and mechanical conditions.

FIREFIGHTING Gore-tex’s Heat and Flame garments offer insulation against extreme heat, while remaining light and malleable enough for use tackling fires.