Using the Polymer Analysis Toolbox

C.6 Using thePolymer Analysis Toolbox

Use the Polymer Analysis Toolbox to determine the following values that define the molecular distribution of a polymer:

•Mn— Number average molecular weight

•Mw— Weight average molecular weight

•Mz— z-average molecular weight

•Mw/Mn— Polydispersity Index

Using Polymer Analysis

The Polydispersity Index represents how widely dispersed the polymeric distribution is. A lower value (for example, 1.02) indicates a narrowly dispersed polymer. A higher value (for example, 3.0) indicates a widely dispersed polymer.

1.In the Toolbox Palette dialog box, click Polymer Analysis Toolbox. The range displayed in the

Spectrum window is reflected in the X Display Range

C

 

fields.

 

NOTE: If you zoom on a different region in the Spectrum window, the new range is not updated in the X Display Range field, but is used for the analysis when you click Calculate. The range is updated when you click Calculate.

2.Baseline correct the trace.

Peak intensities and areas used in the polymer calculations are calculated from a 0 y-axis value, not from the calculated baseline of the peak.

Data Explorer™ Software User’s Guide

C-15