Polymer differences There are distinct differences between the individual membrane and pre-filter polymers.

The table below lists the different membrane polymers available and the advantages and disadvantages, which depend on the properties of the polymer. The table shows, that there is no such thing as a membrane polymer for every application. Therefore filter membranes and the filter performance have to be tested before choosing the appropriate filter element. Membrane Material

Advantage

Disadvantage Limited pH compatibility Not dry autoclavable

Cellulose acetate Very low nonspecific adsorption (non fouling) High flow rates and total throughputs Low environmental impact after disposal Cellulose Nitrate (nitrocellulose) Good flow rate and total throughputs Regenerated Cellulose Capture of smaller particles than the pore size

High non-specific adsorption Limited pH compatibility Not dry autoclavable Limited pH compatibility Not dry autoclavable

Very low nonspecific adsorption (non fouling) Very high flow rates and total throughputs

Modified Regenerated Cellulose

Very low nonspecific adsorption (non fouling) Moderate flow rates and total throughputs especially with difficult to filter solutions Broad pH compatibility Easily cleanable (in cross-flow applications required)

Ultrafilters not dry autoclavable

Polyamide

Good solvent compatibility Good mechanical strength Broad pH compatibility Dry autoclavable

High non-specific protein adsorption Low hot-water resistance Moderate flow rate and total throughput Vacuole formation during casting can result in exaggerated pore sizes

Polycarbonate

Good chemical compatibility

Moderate flow rates Low total throughputs Difficult to produce

Polyethersulfon

High flow rates and total throughputs Broad pH compatibility Highest versatility Mainly found as asymmetric membrane structure

Low to moderate unspecific adsorption depending on surface modifications Limited solvent compatibility

Polypropylene

Excellent chemical resistance Hydrophobic material High mechanical resistance High nonspecific adsorption due to hydrophobic interactions Moderate to high non-specific adsorption Limited solvent compatibility

Polysulfone

High flow rates and total throughputs Broad pH compatibility

Polytetrafluorethy Excellent chemical resistance Hydrophobic material lene High mechanical resistance High non-specific adsorption due to hydrophobic interactions High hydrophobicity (used for air filtration) High-cost filter material Polyvinylidenedifl Low non-specific adsorption uoride Dry autoclavable Good solvent compatibility Moderate flow rate and total throughput Hydrophobic base, made hydrophilic by chemical surface treatment; may lose hydrophilic modification due to chemical attack High-cost filter material