Abstract: A filter includes a pleated filter element having a fibrous support layer and a filtration layer bonded to the fibrous support layer. The fibrous support layer and the filtration layer are both in pleated form to provide a plurality of pleats. A cured stiffening agent is applied to the fibrous support layer, and the pleated form is maintained. The fibrous support layer is bonded to the filtration layer by other than the cured stiffening agent.

Abstract: A nanofiber based multi-layer filtration material suitable for use in providing air filtration to a user's respiratory system may be provided. as an air filtration garment and/or other air filterina devices such as a face mask, mask and garments or the like. The laminate includes a one or more fabric layer adjacent to one or more nanofiber layers.

Abstract: An improved stretchable filtration fabric laminate is provided. The laminate includes a first fabric layer and a nanofiber layer. The laminate may be stretched without damaging the laminate. The laminate is thus suitable for incorporation into wearable protective garments, such as protective hoods, balaclavas, scarves, etc. that provide both protection and air filtration to the wearer.

Abstract: A filter includes a pleated filter element having a fibrous support layer and a filtration layer bonded to the fibrous support layer. The fibrous support layer and the filtration layer are both in pleated form to provide a plurality of pleats. A cured stiffening agent is applied to the fibrous support layer, and the pleated form is maintained. The fibrous support layer is bonded to the filtration layer by other than the cured stiffening agent.

Abstract: An improved stretchable filtration fabric laminate is provided. The laminate includes a first fabric layer and a nanofiber layer. The laminate may be stretched without damaging the laminate. The laminate is thus suitable for incorporation into wearable protective garments, such as protective hoods, balaclavas, scarves, etc. that provide both protection and air filtration to the wearer.

Abstract: A membrane distillation system is provided for distilling liquids. The membrane distillation system includes a heat generating means for heating a non-distilled liquid. The membrane distillation system further includes a microporous membrane that is asymmetric and vapor permeable. The microporous membrane includes a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer. The membrane distillation system further includes a supply means for delivering the heated non-distilled liquid to the hydrophilic layer of the microporous membrane. A collection means is further provided for collecting distilled liquid from the hydrophobic layer of the microporous membrane. A method of fabricating the microporous membrane for use in the membrane distillation system is also provided.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and air-permeable sheet material. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous polymer substrate and a microporous thermoplastic coating layer attached to the polymer substrate. The thermoplastic coating layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The thermoplastic coating layer is at least partially interpenetrated into pores of the polymer substrate forming an interface that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the polymer substrate to permit passage of water droplets. The interface is resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the sheet material.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and gas-permeable sheet material and a method of making are provided. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous layer and a thermoplastic layer attached to the microporous layer. The thermoplastic layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The microporous layer is at least partially integrated with the thermoplastic layer to form a zone that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the microporous layer to permit passage of water droplets. The Zone can be considered to be resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the microporous layer and inhibits detachment of the layers.

Abstract: A porous composite membrane is provided by an associated method and includes a first microporous substrate of a first material. A second, coating material is joined to the first microporous substrate to form a bi-component arrangement with the first microporous substrate. The second material is different than the first material. A third, coating material is applied to the bi-component arrangement. The third material is different than the first and second materials. The third material extending over at least a portion of surfaces of the bi-component arrangement which define the micropores.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a protective membrane having first and second layers. The first layer is air permeable, vapor breathable, and liquid repellant. The second layer is vapor breathable, liquid repellant, and adsorptive of chemical and/or biological agents.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and air-permeable sheet material. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous polymer substrate and a microporous thermoplastic coating layer attached to the polymer substrate. The thermoplastic coating layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The thermoplastic coating layer is at least partially interpenetrated into pores of the polymer substrate forming an interface that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the polymer substrate to permit passage of water droplets. The interface is resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the sheet material.

Abstract: A waterproof, vapor-permeable and gas-permeable sheet material and a method of making are provided. The sheet material includes a waterproof microporous layer and a thermoplastic layer attached to the microporous layer. The thermoplastic layer is vapor-permeable and air-permeable. The microporous layer is at least partially integrated with the thermoplastic layer to form a zone that prevents passage of water droplets, while permitting passage of water vapor and air, when a chemical is present on the sheet material that would otherwise cause the microporous layer to permit passage of water droplets. The Zone can be considered to be resistant to chemical interference with at least the waterproof property of the microporous layer and inhibits detachment of the layers.