What is the ability of a wrapper to allow the passage of steam and air through a barrier called?

The ability of a wrapper to allow the passage of steam and air through a barrier is known as permeability. In the context of surgical wrapping materials, permeability is crucial because it ensures that steam can penetrate the wrapper during sterilization, effectively reaching the instruments inside. Proper permeability enables effective sterilization while also allowing for the escape of air, which can prevent the formation of air pockets that may protect microbes during the sterilization process.

Integrity refers to the strength and cohesion of the wrapper material, which is important but does not specifically relate to the passage of gases. Durability relates to how well the material resists wear and damage over time but is not directly tied to its ability to let steam and air pass through. Flexibility refers to how easily a material can bend or conform to shapes, which is also important but not the main concern when discussing the sterilization process and gas transmission. Thus, permeability is the correct term describing the function of a wrapper in sterilization.