Thin Porous Media

Abstract

Thin porous media are common and encountered in numerous applications. These include papers and cartons, filters and filtration cakes, porous coatings, fuel cells, textiles, diapers and wipes to name only a few. In addition to many interesting problems specific to a given application, thin porous media are also emerging as an unified research area where problems of common interest can be identified. This chapter aims at illustrating why thin porous media are different from traditional porous media and identifying generic problems. This is performed through the consideration of a variety of selected examples extracted from studies on fuel cells, particle filtration, drying and salt efflorescence formation. A brief review of other situations involving thin porous media is also proposed.