Netzmaterial

Netzmaterial is a generic term for materials that possess a net-like or mesh structure, formed by interlaced strands, fibers, filaments, or particles that create a regular or irregular network of openings. The concept is used in several fields, including textiles, materials science, and engineering, with emphasis on porosity, connectivity, and mechanical performance.

In textiles and related industries, Netzmaterial includes fabrics and meshes such as nets, lace, and screens that can serve filtration, reinforcement, or decorative purposes. In materials science, the term encompasses polymer, metallic, and ceramic nets and lattice structures—porous materials designed to combine lightness with strength, or to provide surfaces for catalysis, separation, or biomedical scaffolding.

Manufacturing methods vary by type. Traditional textile meshes are produced by weaving or knitting. Polymer and metal nets can be made by weaving, knitting, or perforation of sheets. Additive manufacturing and extrusion-based processes create complex lattice networks with tunable porosity and anisotropy.

Key properties include porosity and pore size, permeability, stiffness, strength-to-weight ratio, and the degree of dimensional connectivity. These determine suitability for filtration, reinforcement in composites, sensors, energy storage substrates, and tissue engineering scaffolds.

See also: Mesh (fabric), lattice structure, porous material, filtration membrane. Notes on terminology and context are essential, as Netzmaterial is not a single standardized category but a family of net-like materials.