The following may explain some of the failures reported elsewhere -- leakage when the (probably contaminated) fabric is constrained under a pack strap or similar. >From the Sci.chem FAQ. 31.4 What is Goretex?. Goretex is a dispersion-polymerised PTFE that is patented by W.L.Gore and Associates [5]. It is classed as a stretched semi-crystalline film, and is produced by extrusion under stress ( faster take-up rate than extrusion rate ). The extrudate is stretched below the melting temperature, often in the presence of an aromatic hydrocarbon that swells the amorphous region, creating porosity. The hydrophobic nature of the PTFE means that liquid water is repelled from the pores, whereas water vapour can pass through. It is important to realise that once the PTFE pores are filled with liquid water, the fabric can allow liquid water to pass though until it is dry again. Thus Goretex-containing fabrics ( such as Nomex/Goretex - which consists of an outer aramid fabric, a central Goretex layer, and a cotton backing ) should never be used as protection from chemicals as many will pass straight through. Any water-miscible solvent ( eg alcohol ) can fill the pores, and then liquid water can displace it and continue to rapidly pass through until the fabric is fully dried out. [5] Goretex patent U.S. Pat. 3,962,153 (8 June 1976) R.W.Gore (to W.L.Gore and Associates) -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I worl for a chemical company that makes liquid soap feedstock that is sold to Dial, Palmolive, etc, etc. The one problem we have noticed in testing it in the laboratory is the difficulty in rinseing laboratory glassware completely "soap free" It is tenacious as hell! This is just a supposition, but one based on observation. The problem with washing Gore Tex with liquid soapproducts probably lies in the fact stated that a thin film of surface tension reducing soap remains on the Gore Tex ahe thusly aids in almost "sucking" liquid water through the pores. My personal experience with Gore Texis that I have never had this happen. I bought GT gloves and a hat when it forst came out to try it out before I spent big $$$$$$$ on a parka and pants. I found that after working up a pretty swetty head adn wet hands after putting out goose decoys for over an hour and then having to sit still in the cold wind and sometimes rainy rice fields, wassimply "it worked". I could put on the hat and gloves over a pretty wet body adn within 30 minutes, was dry adn toasty inside. I then bought the pants asn parka in gore tex and have found the same thing. Thirty minutes after being pretty wet with seeat and I was dry and toasty. The body heat engine vaporized the sweat adn "pushed" it through the membrane. I have noticed that when hiking I do have to "open up" or the sweat produced will overwhelm the ability to get rid of it and though not as much as with coated nylon rain suits, I do get clammy inside. I have never waashed any of these garmets other than to hose them off on the driveway and a light sponging of soft brush to dislodge mud. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I have no reason to machine wash any of these items. Hope this helps. It works for me. John LeBlanc *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Johnlebl_at_aol.com wrote: > > This is just a supposition, but one based on observation. The problem with > washing Gore Tex with liquid soapproducts probably lies in the fact stated > that a thin film of surface tension reducing soap remains on the Gore Tex ahe > thusly aids in almost "sucking" liquid water through the pores. > > My personal experience with Gore Texis that I have never had this happen. My Goretex jacket has been machine washed many times in the past 10 years. I used to used a laundry soap but the jacket didn't repel water very well. I noticed the same thing with polyester fleece. Now I simply use a mild detergent & treat the Goretex with Nikwax for water repellancy. Works great! -- Lloyd Bowles The Mad Canoeist "Keep the open side up!" http://www.fortunecity.com/greenfield/clearstreets/358/index.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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