Vattenhalten

Vattenhalten, or water-holding capacity, is the ability of a material or system to retain water under specified conditions. It depends on factors such as porosity, pore size distribution, surface chemistry, capillary forces, and the material’s structure, as well as temperature and pressure.

In soils, water-holding capacity describes how much water remains available after drainage, influencing plant-available water. It is commonly described by concepts such as field capacity, wilting point, and available water capacity. These properties are determined from soil moisture retention curves and can be measured with methods like pressure plate apparatus, hanging or drainage columns, and laboratory tests that relate moisture content to suction.

In construction and geomaterials, water retention affects durability, frost resistance, and workability. Materials with higher porosity can store more moisture, which can mitigate drying shrinkage but may promote corrosion or biological growth if not managed. Additives and refinement of pore structure are used to tailor moisture behavior for specific applications.

In textiles, paper, and polymers, water-holding capacity influences absorbency, softness, and performance in products such as diapers, wound dressings, and absorbent paper. Hydrophilic polymers and gels are often used to enhance moisture retention.

Measurement typically reports volumetric or gravimetric moisture content, sometimes expressed as water potential or suction (pF). Applications range from agriculture and horticulture planning to building design, environmental management, and product development, where controlling moisture behavior is essential for performance and durability.