Overview
Nylon membranes are widely used in chromatography sample preparation due to their chemical robustness, low extractables, and excellent flow characteristics. However, like all polymeric filtration materials, nylon has specific solvent limitations.
Understanding which solvents are incompatible prevents membrane degradation, sample contamination, and compromised analytical results.
Solvents to Avoid with Nylon Syringe Filters
Nylon is generally resistant to many aqueous solutions and moderate organic solvents, but it is NOT compatible with certain chemical classes that can attack the polymer backbone or dissolve surface treatments.
The following should not be used with Nylon syringe filters:
1. Aldehydes
Aldehydes can interact with functional groups in nylon, causing:
- Membrane swelling
- Chemical attack on amide linkages
- Increased extractables
- Loss of mechanical integrity
Common incompatible aldehydes include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde.
2. Strong Acids
Strong mineral acids aggressively degrade nylon membranes, rapidly reducing filtration performance and potentially contaminating the filtrate. Avoid:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Nitric acid (HNO₃)
- Sulfuric acid, hydrobromic acid, and others with similar corrosive properties
Even at moderate concentrations, these acids destabilize the nylon polymer and can lead to membrane rupture.
Why Compatibility Matters
Using incompatible solvents may result in:
- Membrane degradation or complete failure
- Leaching of nylon breakdown products into the sample
- Poor retention of particulates, resulting in cloudy filtrate
- Compromised HPLC data, including ghost peaks and variable retention times
For sensitive applications such as HPLC, UHPLC, LC‑MS, and trace analysis, correct solvent compatibility is crucial for maintaining data integrity.
Selecting the Right Membrane
If aldehydes or strong acids must be filtered, consider switching to:
- PTFE membranes (excellent for strong acids and aggressive organics)
- Glass fiber prefilters for high‑particulate samples
- Other specialty membranes depending on solvent chemistry
MICROSOLV provides compatibility charts and technical guidance for membrane selection.
AQ™ Syringe Filter Resources
For membrane options, solvent compatibility references, and ordering details
- Click HERE for syringe filters ordering information and pictures.
- Attachment: MICROSOLV filters equivalency study pdf Download File