Filter Paper Fibers: Including Glass Fiber Filter Paper and Quartz Fiber Filter Paper
Both glass fiber filter paper and quartz fiber filter paper are useful laboratory tools that can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for gravity-based analysis. Additionally, they offer rapid filtration speeds and are easy to sterilize. However, these two types of filter papers have significant differences. Let’s explore these distinctions in the following article.
Glass Fiber Filter Paper
Glass fiber filter paper is a laboratory filter paper made from pure borosilicate fibers, with or without organic binding agents. There are seven types of glass fiber filter papers, and the most notable difference between them is the thickness of the fibers.
A key characteristic of glass fiber filter paper is its high purity, thanks to the presence of reinforcing binding materials that help keep the fibers together.
Moreover, due to its high flow rate, glass fiber filter paper is often used for preliminary filtration before membrane filtration in food, beverage, and biological applications.
Why is Glass Fiber Filter Paper So Popular?
Image: Glass fiber filter paper by Advantec, known for its quality.
Quartz Fiber Filter Paper
Quartz fiber filter paper is highly regarded for its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures—up to 1000°C. It contains no binding agents, is sterilizable, and has high chemical durability. With its high purity, the metal content in this type of filter paper is minimal. Furthermore, it does not absorb NOx and SOx dioxide.
As a result, quartz fiber filter paper is used in various environmental conditions. It is primarily used for air sampling in acidic gases, smoke stacks, and aerosols. It is particularly effective at high temperatures up to 5000°C and in PM-10 testing. Additionally, this tool can monitor emissions with low trace contaminants, excellent weight, and stable dimensions.
Differences Between Glass Fiber and Quartz Fiber Filter Paper
Intended Use of the Two Types of Filter Paper
Both types of filter paper are used in laboratory and environmental settings. However, glass fiber filter paper is recommended for highly contaminated substances and difficult-to-dilute materials. On the other hand, quartz fiber filter paper is mainly used for air samples in acidic gases, smoke stacks, and aerosols. This is because quartz fiber can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C, has high chemical durability, and does not absorb acids. It is especially useful for acid removal in samples at high temperatures (>500°C).
Glass Fiber Filter Paper Has a Faster Filtration Rate
The high filtration efficiency, excellent chemical stability, and low resistance are some reasons why consumers choose glass fiber filter paper. It is particularly effective for air filtration. Glass fiber filter paper is commonly used in air purification and filtration applications.
For example, the GA-200 glass fiber filter paper is a long filter that traps very fine particles, making it ideal for filtering oils. Another example is the GB-140, which has high filtration efficiency and can capture very fine dust particles in the air. This makes it a popular choice for laboratory filtration needs.
Quartz Fiber Filter Paper Can Withstand Higher Pressure
Because glass fiber filter paper is particularly brittle, it must be handled carefully to avoid sharp objects or repeated rubbing. Additionally, it should not be exposed to water or other corrosive liquids, as this may affect the efficiency of the filter paper.
In contrast, quartz fiber is quite sturdy, has a high tolerance to pressure, and boasts a long lifespan. It is not affected by external factors, including humidity. Therefore, it is ideal for analyzing the pollution levels in air and water.
Conclusion
This article aims to provide you with basic knowledge about two commonly used types of laboratory filter papers: glass fiber and quartz fiber. With this understanding, you can make an informed decision when selecting filter paper for your work. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Lab Cường Thịnh will be happy to assist you with advice and support on both glass fiber and quartz fiber filter papers.
