Geotextiles are multipurpose fabrics that are used to separate, filter, or drain -- typically geotextiles are permeable, and allow water to pass through. Sometimes, geotextiles are also referred to as 'filter fabrics'. You can usually find these materials being used in soil or surface control, such as reducing erosion, or preventing dunes or sensitive earth from damage.
Geotextiles differ from geomembranes, as they are designed specifically to filter substances, rather than control their flow in entirety. Despite this, geotextiles and geomembranes are often manufactured from similar polymers, like polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl, or polyethylene.
