Analysis of Explosives

I. INTRODUCTION

The analysis of explosives is of major importance in several analytical fields:

1. Forensic identification of explosives is a major problem in the criminalistic investigation of a bombing which involves connecting the type of explosive used with the suspect. The detection and identification of explosive residues in debris material constitutes a highly difficult task. The thermal instability of most explosives, along with the requirements of high sensitivity of the analysis, limit the number of analytical techniques which can be used in such determinations.

2. The detection of explosives concealed in airline baggage or in mail is an extremely relevant analytical problem which requires a highly sensitive as well as a specific method for its solution. Highly specific monitors are expected to identify and detect the presence of molecules of explosive material in the sampled air environment in the suspected baggage or mail.

3. The accurate determination of the composition of explosives is very important because variation in composition affects the stability, sensitivity, ignitability, and efficiency of performance of these materials. Analysis of explosives in storage is important for assessing the purity of their components, the uniformity of composition, and the various decomposition products.

4. In trace element analysis, the search for contamination from explosives in sea water and in the ocean floor sediment and fauna as a result of obsolete munitions dump in deep water, as well as surveillance and control of explosives pollutants that may find their way into ground and surface water supplies is important.

5. Another important area is biomedical analysis. Because many explosives are toxic, inhalation of their vapor presents a major health hazard. Quantitative monitoring of the vapor of explosives in the environment of industrial plants where explosives are manufactured is, therefore, a necessity. Periodical analyses of body fluids of personnel working in these plants have to be made for the detection of traces of explosives in blood and urine.