Empower Tip: Review Window and the Processing Method

In this tip, we will begin a discussion on using Custom Fields in GPC/SEC analyses.

Now, let’s look at some practical ways to use Custom Fields when dealing with polymers.

Example 1: Polymer Type

STEP 1 If you need to document polymer type, create a Sample Custom Field, data type Enumerated to create a list of polymer types.

In the Sample Set Method or Alter Sample, select a ‘Polymer Type’ from the drop-down list.

Once the data is processed, add Polymer Type to the report.

Example 2: Percent of Claimed Molecular Weight

Similar to percent of label claim, often times a quality control lab needs to calculate the percent of claimed molecular weight for a polymer. First, create a Component Custom Field for the claimed or theoretical molecular weight.

Second, a Simple Peak Custom Field dividing the calculated (from the calibration curve) Mw by the Claimed Mw and then multiplied by 100 will yield the percent of claimed molecular weight.

In the Sample Set Method or Alter Sample, enter the Claimed Mw in the Component Editor. Be sure to select ‘Standards & Unknowns’ from the SampleSet Type dropdown list and enter the Claimed Mw on the Components tab for the sample.

Once the data is processed, the result for the percent of claimed molecular weight can be seen in Review and/or added to the report.

It’s that easy!