Abstract: A method and a porous article are provided. In said method, a porous article which comprises a matrix material in a solid state and pores therein, is processed at least some of the pores being open to an outer surface of the article. A flowing treatment substance is applied to the outer surface of the article and into at least some of the pores. The flowing treatment substance is allowed to react with the outer surface of the article and surfaces of said at least some of the pores such that a hydrophobic coating layer is established on surfaces thereof. An excess of the flowing treatment substance is removed from the article, and the hydrophobic coating layer established on the outer surface of the article is converted into a hydrophilic coating layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic device for conveying substance by diffusion in a porous substrate from a substance injection zone to a substance arrival zone, which zones are connected by a substance-channeling zone. According to the invention, the porous substrate presents a free surface that is partially covered by a mask that is impermeable and that extends from the injection zone to the arrival zone in order to define the substance-channeling zone in the substrate so as to enable the substance to evaporate through a non-covered portion of the free surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decomposable monolithic ceramic materials having an at least bimodal pore structure, in particular having micropores and mesopores or mesopores and macropores or micropores, mesopores and marcopores, optinally having metal centres located in the pores. The invention further relates to processes for producing the materials of the invention and to the use of the materials of the invention and the materials produced by one of the processes of the invention, in particular in catalysis and catalyst research and in medical technology and for the time-delayed release of active compounds in the pharmaceutical industry.