Empower Tip: Working with GPC/SEC data in Empower

In this tip we will review the results for our calibration curve and the calculated sample molecular weights along with their molecular weight distributions.

Let’s see how it’s done!

Once the Sample Set is processed, bring the Result Set into Review. The narrow standards are first in the tree.

STEP 2Click the Calibration Curve tool to view the Calibration Curve. The R2 indicates we have selected a good fit. There are 18 points on the calibration curve because there were three standard vials, each containing a mixture of three narrow standards, and two injections out of each vial.

STEP 3Here is the result for one of the polymers and we can see the Mn, Mw, Mz and Mz+1. The Mp is the molecular weight at the apex of the peak. The polydispersity is Mw/Mn.

STEP 4The various molecular weights relate to physical properties of the polymer.

STEP 5Click the Results tool to go to the Results window. Select the Distribution tab to view the slice table. This table shows the molecular weight and log molecular weight for the slices across the distribution. The default is showing all of the slices; however, you can change that from the drop-down menu shown.

STEP 6Click the Distribution Plot tab to view the molecular weight distribution. This shows us where the molecular weights mentioned in step 3 are taken from and displays the Cumulative % plot overlaid against the distribution. The Cumulative % plot starts at 0 on the far left and ends at 100 on the far right (see the y axis on the right side of the plot). This plot shows us the cumulative % of the polymer at a particular molecular weight as it moves from the high end of the molecular weight distribution to the low-end of the molecular weight distribution. For example, at log mw of 4.92, 70% of the polymer is at or above the value of 4.92.

STEP 7To compare distribution plots for samples – highlight the results, right click on one of them and select View As, Molecular Weight Distributions. Highlight the distributions for the samples, right click and select Compare.

STEP 8We now see the overlay of the distributions. The distribution highlighted in the table is the active one in the plot displaying the molecular weights.

It’s that easy!