Berolening

Berolening is a term used in materials science to describe a controlled process that enhances the stability and barrier properties of porous solids by inducing a network formation within the material. The goal is to reduce permeability to gases and liquids while maintaining mechanical integrity.

The process typically involves exposing the material to a reactive medium—such as a vapor phase or a liquid catalyst—followed by a curing step that promotes cross-linking or impregnation with a sealing agent. Conditions are tuned to initiate chemical reactions within the pore spaces without causing bulk damage. The resulting network constrains capillary pathways and improves environmental resistance.

Berolening has appeared in theoretical discussions and experimental studies as a generic approach to pore modification. It is not a single standardized technique, and definitions vary across disciplines, including polymer science, ceramics, and conservation science.

Potential applications include protective coatings for porous ceramics, moisture barriers in electronics packaging, stabilization of historical artifacts, and enhancement of filtration membranes where reduced permeability is desired.

Variants of berolening differ in the reagent type and application method, such as vapor-phase berolening, solvent-based berolening, or plasma-assisted berolening. Limitations include uneven penetration in large or highly heterogeneous materials, cost, and the need for careful process control to avoid adverse changes in appearance or mechanical properties.

See also: cross-linking, surface treatment, impregnation, vapor deposition.