Difusioonitõkke

Difusioonitõkke is a Finnish term that translates to "diffusion barrier" in English. It refers to a material or a layer that impedes or prevents the movement of molecules from one area to another through a process of diffusion. Diffusion is the net movement of anything generally from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Difusioonitõkke aims to slow down or halt this natural process.

In various applications, a difusioonitõkke plays a crucial role in controlling the exchange of substances. For example, in construction, it is used to prevent moisture vapor from migrating through building materials, which can lead to condensation and structural damage. This is often referred to as a vapor barrier. Similarly, in packaging, difusioonitõkke materials are employed to keep oxygen, moisture, or other gases out of a product, thereby extending its shelf life.

The effectiveness of a difusioonitõkke is measured by its permeability, which quantifies how easily a substance can pass through it. Materials with low permeability are considered good difusioonitõkke. The specific material chosen for a difusioonitõkke depends on the substance it needs to block and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. Common materials used as diffusion barriers include plastics, certain types of foils, and specialized coatings.