Gore-Tex: Inventor of waterproof fabric Robert Gore dies aged 83

[muriel_volestrangler]

His father asked him to research a new way to manufacturer plumber's tape. Robert Gore discovered that by yanking a material called PTFE, the polymer stretched by 1,000% to create a microporous structure.

This material created a fabric with billions of pores smaller than water droplets, forming a waterproof but breathable surface - or Gore-Tex.

"It was truly a pivot point in this company's history," Greg Hannon, WL Gore & Associates' chief technology officer, told Delaware Online newspaper last year..

Among its varied applications, Gore-Tex is used in medical devices including heart patches, guitar strings, space suits, and vacuum bags.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54224405

[Throck]

1. Second only to Velcro.

[Baclava]

2. He saved my life on many a Alaskan back-packing trek, I salute him, RIP

[hlthe2b]

3. an invention I've certainly benefitted from. Kudos to Mr. Gore

RIP

[Bayard]

4. Gore-tex

Well-loved in my winter running days years ago.

[Generic Brad]

5. I'm guessing he will not be buried at sea

[Aristus]

6. Many a tanker crewing the beast 'head-out' in bad weather has blessed his name.