Described are microporous materials including (a) a polymeric matrix component; (b) a finely divided, particulate inorganic filler component dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix; and (c) a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout the microporous material, the pores constituting 10 to 80 percent by volume of the microporous material. The polymeric component is based on (i) 5 to 100 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of low melt flow index polypropylene; (ii) 0 to 90 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene; and (iii) 0 to 90 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of high density polyethylene. Also provided are multi-layer articles prepared from the microporous materials.