Nylon FAQ

Nylon membrane filters offer high protein-binding capacity, making them ideal for applications requiring strong protein and biomolecule retention. They also provide excellent chemical compatibility, solvent resistance, and are suitable for filtering both aqueous solutions and many organic solvents. Many nylon membrane filters are reinforced with an inert polyester (PET) support layer, providing enhanced strength, dimensional stability, and easier handling. These properties make nylon membranes a reliable choice for laboratory filtration, sample preparation, protein binding, and chemical analysis applications.

Sterlitech Nylon membrane filters are manufactured from Nylon 66 (PA66), an inherently hydrophilic, non-toxic polymer with excellent chemical resistance to many organic solvents. The membranes also feature an integral nonwoven polyester (PET) support layer for added strength, dimensional stability, and ease of handling. When evaluating chemical compatibility, both the Nylon 66 membrane and the PET support layer should be considered.

Cellulose acetate (CA) and nitrocellulose (MCE) membranes will last 2 1/2 to 3 years before reverting to their natural hydrophobic states.  Nylon, on the other hand, is naturally hydrophilic so it does not have a shelf life. An easy test for older membranes is to perform a "wetting out" test.  Dipping a small portion of the membrane into water (hydrophilic membranes) or an alcohol (hydrophobic membranes) works well.  If the membrane absorbs the material, or "wets out", it has not gone past the shelf life.