Column fractionation of polymers. VII. Computer program for determination of molecular weight distributions from gel permeation chromatography

Abstract

Abstract Gel permeation chromatography produces a type of differential molecular weight distribution directly and rapidly. Conversion of these data to conventional molecular weight distributions and plots of distributions is time‐consuming. A computer program is described to perform these operations readily. Input data from the automated chromatograph, elution volume, and recorder deflection are converted to unit sensitivity and base line corrections applied. The curve is then numerically integrated and a calibration curve used to convert elution volumes into molecular weights. Various calibration curves can readily be introduced into the program. The output, in addition to tabulation of cumulative and differential molecular weight distributions, contains values of M̄ n , M̄ v , M̄ w , M̄ z , and M̄ z +1 . Importantly, a reduced absolute area, i. e., area computed for unit sensitivity on a unit concentration basis, is tabulated. An additional time‐saving eature is the printing out of differential and cumulative molecular weight distribution curves and of a differential histogram.