What is this close-up picture? (WotsThat: Gore-Tex membrane (macro))

Question

What object is shown in this zoomed-in close-up photo?

ThornPetal · Accepted Answer

Gore-Tex membrane (macro). Gore-Tex's magic comes from the fact that it's not actually waterproof in the traditional sense—instead, it's covered in billions of microscopic pores that are about 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, which is why it lets sweat escape while keeping rain out. What's wild is that these pores were discovered almost by accident in 1969 when a chemist stretched heated PTFE plastic and it suddenly became porous, launching an entirely new industry of breathable fabrics.

Answer: Gore-Tex membrane (macro)

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