Textile Glossary

microporous

Definition

The layer contains many very small pores, which make it highly permeable to water vapor, for example.

Use in the textile industry

Microporous layers are used primarily in functional outerwear, sportswear, and protective equipment where simultaneous protection against water and wind as well as moisture vapor transmission are required. They are applied as membranes or coatings on carrier woven fabrics and enable the passage of water vapor through physically defined pores whose size is between that of liquid water droplets and water vapor molecules. Typical fields of application include outdoor textiles, occupational protective clothing, and medical textiles.

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Frequently asked question

A microporous membrane transports water vapor physically through fine pores that are smaller than water droplets but large enough for vapor molecules. A monolithic membrane, by contrast, has no pores; moisture transport occurs chemically through absorption and diffusion of water molecules through the membrane material. Both principles achieve breathability but differ in construction, cleaning behavior, and sensitivity to contamination.

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