The present invention relates to a woven or nonwoven web comprising: fibers comprising one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyarylene sulfides, polyolefins, polyamide imides, polysulfones, polyethersulfones, polyetherketones, polyether etherketones or copolymers thereof; and one or more inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, strontium sulfate, calcium sulfate, lead(II) sulfate or mixtures thereof; wherein the one or more inorganic salts are present on the surface of at least part of the fibers. The woven or nonwoven web is particularly suitable for use in alkaline water electrolysis.