The present invention relates to a process for improving the breaking strength and/or tear strength of a warp-knitted fabric, in particular for use in adsorptive filtering materials having a protective function against chemical poisons and/or warfare agent materials, the process comprising providing the warp-knitted fabric with a multiplicity of wales, a multiplicity of courses and a multiplicity of structural elements. In accordance with the present invention, a portion of the structural elements is configured as to each extend over a plurality of wales, so that in the event of a breaking stress on the warp-knitted fabric or the action of a breaking force the structural elements which each extend over a plurality of wales are pushed together or bundled and an improved breaking force results.