Temperature, concentration, applied pressure, and length of exposure time affect compatibility. The materials used in the manufacture of filtration products are carefully chosen for their resistance to a wide range of chemical solutions. Still, understanding the compatibility between the fluid to be filtered and the filter elements is essential. See the charts for the Chemical Compatibility of Pall Life Sciences filter media, syringe filters, devices, capsules and hardware with common fluids. Top Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic Hydrophilic filters possess an affinity for water.
Gases move somewhat freely through a dry, hydrophilic membrane.
Hydrophilic filters can be wetted with virtually any liquid, and are preferred for aqueous solution. Once wetted, hydrophilic filters do not allow the free passage of gases until the applied pressure exceeds the bubble point and the liquid is expelled from the pores of the membrane. Hydrophobic filters lack an affinity for, or repel, water. A hydrophobic filter will not wet in water but will wet in low surface tension liquids, such as organic solvents. Once a hydrophobic filter has been wetted out by an organic solvent, aqueous solutions also will pass through.