Landenberg, Pa. (June 16, 2015) – W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) has enhanced its line of GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials with a new aviation fluid-repellent tape. Available in various sizes, the new sealant tape is well-suited for use on belly fairings, engine nacelles, tail boom covers, fuel bladders and access panels. This gap filling material provides durable, reliable protection in the most demanding conditions, including wide temperature ranges, bending, flexing, and exposure to chemically aggressive aircraft fluids. 

GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials that repel aviation fluid consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) — a proprietary material used in the construction that has been chemically modified to resist typical aircraft fluids. At the same time, these materials have non-hazardous properties that meet industry standards. 

Traditional materials used to seal body panel joints on aircraft can be exposed to petroleum and phosphate-based hydraulic fluids, engine oils, and de-icing fluids. As a result, some of these materials can break down after absorbing these chemically aggressive aircraft fluids, which can compromise their performance. 

Unlike traditional two-component materials, GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials require no mixing, masking, curing, or cleanup after installation. Their flexible construction allows them to conform easily to complex shapes and irregular surfaces, making them easy to install. They also maintain their performance over multiple open and close cycles during production and maintenance. 

"The new aviation fluid-repellent GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials give aircraft manufacturers the best of both worlds in panel sealants – durable, reliable protection in an easy-to-apply tape form," said Ross Livington, Gore Product Specialist. "The real value of the product lies in the ability to make installation a shorter, easier process, without the need of special application training." 

Gore will be exhibiting the new aviation fluid-repellent GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials at Paris Air Show 2015, Hall 2b F170. GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials can be purchased directly from W. L. Gore & Associates or via authorized distributors. For more details, visit gore.com/skyflex.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world.

Jennifer Haupt
W. L. Gore & Associates 
+1 610 268 1915
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