Abstract

A method of determining the pore structure of the individual layers in a multi-layered composite porous material includes the steps of providing a sample of a multi-layered porous material, sealing the sample in suitable test chamber, filling the pores of the sample material with a wetting liquid, such that the liquid/sample surface free energy is less than the gas/sample surface free energy, using a non-reacting gas to apply pressure to one side of the sample sealed in the test chamber, increasing the gas pressure gradually, so as to displace the liquid from the pores, and increase gas flow through the sample, measuring the pressure at which liquid flows from each successive layer of the sample material, and calculating the pore structure using an equation selected from the group consisting of p=&ggr;(dS/dV), D=4&ggr;/p, and f=−d[100(Fw/Fd)]/d D.