Glass Fibre vs Cellulose Filter Paper: A Practical Comparison

When choosing lab-grade filters, it’s essential to understand the performance differences between glass fibre and cellulose media. Each has advantages and trade-offs, selecting the correct type depends on your analytical needs, cost thresholds, and operating conditions.

Cellulose Filter Paper

Cellulose filter paper is one of the most widely used filtration materials, valued for its affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. Made from high-quality plant-based pulp, it offers an economical solution for a broad range of laboratory, educational, and light industrial applications. 

It's properties allow it to be:

• Cost-Effective and Accessible – Made from plant-based pulp, cellulose filters are affordable and widely used in general lab and industrial settings.

• Nominal Filtration Ratings – Cellulose filters typically have less consistent pore structures and deliver only nominal micron ratings, meaning actual retention can vary significantly. 

• Limited Durability – Susceptible to moisture swelling, temperature sensitivity, and limited dirt capacity, often requiring more frequent replacement. 

Glass Fibre Filter Paper

Starting with Glass Fibre Filter Paper, this media is widely used in laboratories for its excellent filtration precision, durability, and versatility across challenging applications.

• Superior Filtration Efficiency – Glass microfibre filters deliver finer particulate retention (often 1–5 μm, or even submicron), and achieve absolute filtration ratings, meaning filter performance is highly predictable and consistent. 

• Uniform Fibre Structure – The inorganic glass fibres are uniformly sized, offering high dirt-holding capacity and stable flow. This enables longer filter life and clearer samples.

• Excellent Resistance Properties – Glass fibre withstands high temperatures (up to 500–550 °C) and aggressive solvents, making it ideal for hot gravimetric applications and chemical compatibility. 

• Stable Under Moisture – Unlike cellulose, glass doesn’t swell or degrade when wet, maintaining filtration performance across cycles. 

Glass Fiber Filter Brand Equivalents #1

Use this table to cross-reference common glass fibre filter grades. Whether you need ultra-fine particle retention or standard depth-filtration, matching the right grade ensures reliable lab results.

Glass Fiber/Quartz Fiber Filter Brand Equivalents #2

When your work requires high-temperature resistance or ultra-fine filtration, this table helps you align glass or quartz fibre grades across different suppliers.

Conclusion

Atom Scientific's full range includes cellulose acetate, glass fibre, silver, polymeric, and more, perfect for everything from sterilisation to environmental testing and high-temperature protocols. 

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