Robert Gore, Developer of 'Gore-Tex,' the Synonym for Waterproof Fabric, Passes Away

1976 Gore-Tex Debut... Basic Materials for Medical Devices and Space Suits

▲Robert Gore [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Robert Gore, the developer of 'Gore-Tex,' the epitome of waterproof fabric, passed away at the age of 83 on the 17th (local time), the British BBC reported on the 20th.

According to the report, W. L. Gore & Associates, the American company that manufactures Gore-Tex, announced that Gore, a chemical engineer and CEO, died after a long illness.

Born in Utah, USA, Gore completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Delaware and the University of Minnesota, respectively, and joined Gore Associates, founded by his father and uncle, in 1958.

In 1969, Gore developed a new type of polymer and discovered that when stretched up to 10 times its length, it created billions of microscopic pores smaller than water droplets.

Recognizing the waterproof function of this fabric that water cannot penetrate, Gore named it 'Gore-Tex' after himself and introduced it to the world in 1976.

Gore-Tex, which allows sweat to escape while blocking snow and rain, has been loved by many as it is used in numerous outdoor products such as hiking clothes and shoes.

It is also used in medical devices such as heart patches, spacesuits, and various cords.

In 1996, Gore expressed his ambition to "leave a valuable legacy to future generations and society, including children who have undergone heart surgery with the help of our products," and became CEO of Gore Associates, earning billions of dollars.

During the four years leading the company, Gore received several awards recognizing his contributions from organizations such as the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE).

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