Microporous material
A microporous material is a material containing pores with diameters less than 2 nm.
Porous materials are classified into several kinds by their size. According to IUPAC notation (see J. Rouquerol et al., Pure & Appl. Chem, 66 (1994) 1739-1758), microporous materials have pore diameters of less than 2 nm, mesoporous materials have pore diameters between 2 nm and 50 nm and macroporous materials have pore diameters of greater than 50 nm.
Uses in laboratories
Microporous materials are often used in laboratory environments to facilitate contaminant-free exchange of gases. Mold spores, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants will become trapped, while allowing gases to pass through the material. This allows for a sterile environment in the contained area.
Uses in first aid
Microporous materials are also used in first aid, commonly under the tradename Micropore, first invented by 3M in 1959.[1] Microporous adhesive tape can be used to affix dressings to wounds, and to hold bandages in place. If necessary it can be used to cover small wounds with gauze padding, usually as a temporary measure until a proper dressing and bandage are available.[2] The steri-strip was derived from Microporous surgical tape.
Other uses
Microporous tape is used by some professional yo-yoers to wrap around their fingers and prevent string burn or irritation.
Microporous media used in large format printing applications normally with a pigment based ink to maintain colour balance and life expectancy of the resultant printed image.
Microporous tape is also used by some film and TV sound recordists to fix small radio microphones to actor's skin.
See also
References
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ "3M Micropore Surgical Tape Applications". Medicine. 3M Inc. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
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