Laboratory funnels are fundamental tools for transferring liquids, powders, and filtration. Choosing between glass and plastic funnels depends on your application, chemical compatibility, and budget.
Types of Laboratory Funnels
| Type | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Funnel | Glass/PP | Transferring powders into narrow-neck containers |
| Filter Funnel | Glass | Gravity filtration with filter paper |
| Buchner Funnel | Porcelain/PP | Vacuum-assisted filtration |
| Separatory Funnel | Borosilicate Glass | Liquid-liquid extraction |
| Dropping Funnel | Borosilicate Glass | Slow addition of reagents |
Glass Funnels
Borosilicate glass funnels (e.g., JWRESEARCH borosilicate funnels) offer excellent chemical resistance and can be heated or flamed. They are transparent, non-reactive, and suitable for organic synthesis and analytical chemistry. Common sizes range from 40 mm to 150 mm in diameter.
Plastic Funnels
Polypropylene (PP) funnels are lightweight, shatterproof, and cost-effective. They are ideal for routine liquid transfers and educational labs. PP funnels withstand temperatures up to 130°C and resist most acids and bases, but are not recommended for strong oxidizing agents or organic solvents.
Which Funnel Should You Choose?
- General liquid transfer — Polypropylene funnel, 75-100 mm diameter
- Organic synthesis — Borosilicate glass funnel, 60-100 mm
- Vacuum filtration — Buchner funnel with filter flask
- Powder dispensing — Wide-stem powder funnel, glass or PP
- Solvent extraction — Separatory funnel, 125-1000 mL