Porous membranes, materials, composites, laminates, textiles and related methods

The present invention is directed to novel, improved, modified or treated microporous membranes for use in textile related applications and which are preferably composed of two or more dissimilar porous membrane or material layers laminated together using heat, compression and/or adhesives. The preferred inventive laminated composite microporous membrane is modified using a technique or treatment such as microcreping to introduce permanent small, regularly spaced, crepes, profiles, compactions, pleats, or wrinkles into the laminated composite microporous membrane for the purpose of improving mechanical strength, elasticity and/or resiliency. In addition, the inventive microcreped microporous laminated membrane more preferably has significantly improved 'hand' or softness, has 'next-to-the-skin' softness, and/or is quiet without crinkling noises during movement, which may be desired performance properties or characteristics of or in textile garments, materials or applications.