Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.

Abstract: Conformable multilayer films having alternating layers of a stiff polymeric material and a flexible polymeric material are described.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids having a surface tension at least equal to or greater than 20 dynes/cm which are suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating for the porous material is applied as a curable composition containing fluorocarbon urethane precursors which are cross-linked in situ.

Abstract: Microporous material comprising a polypropylene polymer having at least 20 percent crystallinity; and a compatible, amorphous, glassy polymer, wherein said polymers are miscible in a compound when heated above the melting temperature of the polypropylene polymer and wherein a polypropylene polymer phase separates from the compound when cooled below the crystallization temperature of the polypropylene polymer. Microporous material is made by a thermally induced phase separation process using a compound such as mineral oil to form one phase containing both polymers. The pores of the microporous material resist collapse during processing. Membranes made of this material are useful as battery separators having a good combination of strength, porosity, and ionic resistance when imbibed with an electrolyte.

Abstract: Conformable multilayer films having alternating layers of a stiff polymeric material and a flexible polymeric material are described.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids having a surface tension at least equal to or greater than 20 dynes/cm which are suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating for the porous material is applied as a curable composition containing fluorocarbon urethane precursors which are cross-linked in situ.

Abstract: Briefly, in one aspect, the present invention provides puncture resistant microporous materials made of melt-processable semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers. The microporous materials can be produced at relatively high rates and at low cost. Films and multilayer constructions made of the microporous materials and methods of making microporous materials also are provided.

Abstract: A single or multi-layer microporous material of which at least one layer contains a compatible, melt-processible polymer mixture having a first polymer component with a melting point greater than 140.degree. C. and a second polymer component having a melting point lower than 120.degree. C. is described as well as a method of preparing the material. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are miscible in a compound or compatible liquid when heated above the melting temperature of the first polymer component or above the liquid--liquid phase separation temperature and phase separate from the compound or compatible liquid when cooled. The materials are particularly useful as battery separators.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids having a surface tension at least equal to or greater than 20 dynes/cm which are suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating for the porous material is applied as a curable composition containing fluorocarbon urethane precursors which are cross-linked in situ.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.