Applications of Expanded PTFE and other Fluoropolymers

High-Performance Fabrics

Thin, lightweight and durable GORE™ Membranes are waterproof and windproof. They may be  engineered to achieve varying degrees of moisture vapor permeability or "breathability." The result: high-performance fabrics that provide a unique combination of comfort and protection. 

Gore's expertise in membranes has generated a family of fabric laminates, including the GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics widely known to consumers and professionals. Today GORE fabrics are used indoors and out, by medical professionals, fire services, the military and emergency personnel, as well as hikers, skiers, cyclists and golfers.

Medical Implants

Because expanded PTFE is totally inert, GORE medical products are extremely biocompatible; the body does not reject them. The microporous structure of GORE expanded PTFE can be engineered so that surgeons and patients benefit from a wide range of healing solutions, including synthetic blood vessels and patches for soft tissue regeneration, and surgical sutures for use in vascular, cardiac, general surgery and orthopedic procedures. Our medical products work in harmony with the body's own tissues to restore normal functions.

Fluoropolymer Fibers

Gore's expanded PTFE fibers possess high strength, exhibit low shrinkage and resist abrasion. They also offer excellent resistance to degradation from ultraviolet rays. This combination of characteristics ensures stability and integrity in extreme environments.

Fibers may be knitted, woven, braided or sewn into myriad applications. Examples include compression packings, sewing thread, architectural fabric and dental floss.

Gaskets and Sealants

Expanded PTFE's resistance to chemicals and abrasion, combined with its ability to withstand high and low temperature extremes, makes it highly effective in the transport and sealing of industrial fluids.

GORE gasketing and sealant products-from flat sheets to thin tape and form-in-place sealants-are available to fit flanges of any size or configuration.

Membrane Technology for Industry

GORE's expanded PTFE membranes are engineered to unique microstructures to provide an array of high-efficiency filter media. Its pores allow air to pass through while trapping particles. Expanded PTFE's unique chemical inertness and thermal stability make it suitable for filtration conditions where exposure to harsh chemicals or high temperatures exist.

Gore filter bags, cartridges, microfiltration membranes, vents and adsorbent products address diverse contamination control and processing challenges. Industrial uses range from chemical production plants to incinerators, and from food and pharmaceutical manufacturing to foundries.

Advanced Dielectric Materials for Electronics

The inherently low loss and dielectric constant of expanded PTFE makes it an ideal insulation for wire and cable: Its unique porous structure allows signals to travel nearly at the speed of light with minimum loss or distortion, and it offers thermal stability and mechanical flexibility. It also lends itself to reduction in overall interconnect size and weight and provides an outstanding medium for filler materials.

Gore's electronic product portfolio today includes copper and fiber-based cables, assemblies, printed wiring board materials, conductive interface products and shielding gaskets. GORE products are found in high performance, challenging applications in the telecommunications, computing, test and measurement, defense, air and space markets, among others.