[1][2] His most significant breakthrough was likely the invention of Gore-Tex, a waterproof and breathable fabric popularly known for its use in sporting and outdoor gear.

[5]: 37, 59  He completed his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, earning an MS and then a PhD in chemical engineering in 1963.

In April 1957, while Bob was still a sophomore at Delaware, Bill showed him around his home lab and explained the problem he was having.

[9] Bob suggested surrounding the wire with a different form of PTFE, a white tape that was already of uniform thickness.

[5][10]: 36 As stated in a 1960 brochure, the company "was established for the purpose of developing and utilizing technology in the field of fluorocarbon polymers, especially polytetrafluoroethylene", materials which "have a great and undeveloped potential to contribute value to society.

[3] During the Apollo 11 space mission, astronauts used a Gore cable to connect their ship to a seismograph placed on the surface of the Moon.

Two-dimensional stretching created sheets with greater strength, porosity, and air flow, opening up possibilities for many new applications.

[5]: 102–103 By 1971, Gore was experimenting with laminates, combining the stretched membrane with supporting materials for added strength.

Based on this work, the company developed a waterproof laminate called expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), now trademarked as Gore-Tex.

This, and a polymer coating that increases the ability of the fabric to repel water, reduce the chance that the wearer will become damp, cold, or a victim of heat loss.

Ongoing work has developed Gore's initial ideas and resulted in four main areas of focus for the company: divisions for fabrics, medical, industrial, and electronic products.

[18][19] Gore married his third wife Sarah Louise "Sally" (née Ives) Coons in late 1977.

[7] In 2003, Gore was awarded the Winthrop-Sears Medal in recognition of "entrepreneurial achievement that contributes to the vitality of the chemical industry and the betterment of mankind".

[30] In 2005, he received the Perkin Medal, awarded for "contributions to the improvement of the quality of life and the world competitiveness of the U.S.

[31] In recognition of his work in developing Gore-Tex, Gore was inducted into the American National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006.