Peak area vs. calculation of MW in GPC/SEC software

Question

Does area of the peak have influence on calculation of MW in GPC/SEC software?

akseiffert · Answer

Hi, the peak area has no influence on the calculation of Mw when measuring with concentration detectors only (RI, UV, ELSD e.g.). When performing Viscometry & Lightscattering measurements, the peak area is needed for the calculation. As an additional side remark: Narrowly distributed high molar masses lead to high-solution viscosities, a high concentration produces a very viscous injection band, so that the diffusion process on the column can be hindered. This results in higher elution volumes measuring lower molecular weights - this phenomena is less pronounced for low molecular samples. See the example with polystyrene below.

Peak area vs. calculation of MW in GPC/SEC software

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