This article describes the development, properties and future of poromerics. It includes scanning electron microscope photographs of poromeric structures. du Pont was the first manufacturer of completely synthetic materials having absorption and permeability properties similar to natural leather. Poromerics have at least two discrete layers, and some, such as "Corfam," have five. Development of poromencs has introduced to the footwear industry several new processes, such as high frequency welding and embossing, vacuum forming, and edge burnishing. The slow growth of poromerics is due to their pnce not being competitive with leather.
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