porøse

Poröse is a German adjective used to describe materials that contain a network of pores or voids, allowing the passage of fluids or gases. The term is common in materials science, geology, biology and engineering, where porosity influences transport, strength and durability. In everyday language it can describe spongy or permeable structures such as foams, membranes or geological rocks.

Grammatically, poröse is the feminine singular or plural inflected form of the base adjective porös. The masculine nominative form is poröser and the neuter form poröses. The related noun concept is Porosität, or porosity, which denotes the fraction of a volume that is void space.

Porosity can be categorized by pore connectivity. Open porosity consists of pores that connect to the surface and enable permeability, while closed porosity comprises isolated pores that do not contribute to flow. Practical descriptions often distinguish total porosity (the overall void fraction) from effective porosity (the portion that contributes to transport). Pore size distribution, pore throat geometry and surface area also influence permeability, diffusion and mechanical properties.

Measurement and analysis of porosity employ several methods. Porosity is usually reported as a percentage of volume. Techniques include mercury intrusion porosimetry, gas adsorption (BET method), helium pycnometry and imaging methods such as micro-computed tomography to resolve pore networks.

Applications span many fields. Porous materials are used in filtration and membranes, catalysis, energy storage and electrodes, insulation, construction materials, soil science and biomedical implants. Examples include natural materials like soil and bone, as well as synthetic forms such as ceramic foams, porous polymers and metal foams.