SKC Filter Selection Guide

Material	Abbr.	Common Pore Sizes	Main Properties	Air Sampling Applications
Mixed Cellulose Ester	MCE or MEC	0.45 µm 0.8 µm 1.2 µm 5.0 µm	Hydrophilic Readily soluble for atomic absorption analysis Readily rendered transparent for transmitted light microscopy Dissolve and clear easily	Metal dust analysis Asbestos and man-made fibers
Polyvinyl Chloride (Pure Homopolymer) GLA-5000	PVC or PH-PVC	0.5 µm 0.8 µm 5.0 µm	Hydrophobic Non-oxidizing surface Silica-free Low ash Low tare weight for gravimetric analysis	Gravimetric analysis Hexavalent chromium
Polytetrafluoroethylene	PTFE	0.5 µm 1.0 µm 2.0 µm 5.0 µm	Hydrophobic Inert to solvents, acids, and bases Autoclavable	Alkaline dusts Polynuclear aromatics Pesticides Isocyanates
Polycarbonate	PC	0.3 µm 0.4 µm 0.8 µm	Hydrophobic Microscopically smooth surface Straight-through pores Extremely thin (10 to 20 µm) and transparent Autoclavable	Scanning electron microscopy Asbestos fibers
Silver	AG	0.45 µm 0.8 µm	Wide solvent compatibility Higher temperature tolerance Autoclavable Uniform porosity and thickness	Bromine Asbestos by TEM Silica by x-ray diffraction
Glass Fiber	GF or FG	Liquid Nominal Rating 1.0 µm	Partially hydrophobic Higher temperature tolerance Autoclavable High particulate retention	Pesticides Ethylene glycol Coarse gravimetric Isocyanates
Quartz	QZ	Liquid Nominal Rating 1.2 µm	Same as fiber glass Autoclavable Low level metals content High temperature 300 C	Gases Aerosols PM10 Diesel particulates
Cellulose	CEL	Nominal	Autoclavable Uniform strength Ashless (Type 40)	AA HPLC

Sample preparation

SKC Filter Selection Guide