Multilayer article of microporous and porous materials

A multilayer article comprising at least one layer of porous material bonded to at least one layer of microporous material comprising

• (a) a matrix consisting essentially of essentially linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin which is essentially linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 18 deciliters/gram, essentially linear ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 6 deciliters/gram, or a mixture thereof;
• said matrix comprising regions of stretch-induced molecularly oriented ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin distributed throughout said matrix,
• (b) finely divided particulate substantially water-insoluble filler, of which at least about 50 percent by weight is siliceous, distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 50 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said microporous material, and
• (c) a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout said microporous material, said pores before bonding constituting more than 80 percent by volume of said microporous material.