in one aspect , the invention provides an article consisting essentially of a paper layer including about 10 wt % to about 40 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer and an eptfe membrane laminated to the paper layer . preferably , the paper layer includes about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer . more preferably , the paper layer includes about 18 wt % to about 25 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer . a paper layer including about 20 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer is most preferred . in another aspect , the thermoplastic polymer may comprise poly vinyl acetate . in yet another aspect , the invention provides a filter media consisting essentially of a cellulose paper layer including about 20 wt % poly vinyl acetate binder ; and an eptfe membrane laminated to said cellulose paper layer . in still another aspect , the invention provides a paper layer in which the paper is cellulose paper . in yet another aspect , the invention provides a method of making a filter media consisting essentially of : providing a cellulose paper layer including about 20 wt % of poly vinyl acetate , providing an eptfe membrane to at least one surface of the cellulose paper layer ; and laminating the eptfe membrane to the cellulose paper layer .