Thesis
Signature discover in C-4: a detailed analysis of insoluble particulates
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100093
Abstract
Composition C-4 is a plastic explosive that is comprised mostly of RDX explosive (cyclotrimethylene trinitrate), but also contains different binders, oils, plasticizers, taggants, and contaminants. These components come together to create a unique signature that can potentially be used for identification purposes. Many techniques, such as gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), have been developed for detection and characterization of the various organic constituents contained in composition C4, but studies have not focused upon characterization of the inorganic particulates trapped within C-4 during the manufacturing process. A great deal of information can be associated with these particulate contaminants. This research describes a novel approach for analysis and characterization of inorganic particulates trapped within C-4 samples using an ASPEX 3025 SEM (scanning electron microscope) for automated particle analysis. Eighteen different C-4 samples from military and commercial sources were obtained and analyzed. Four of the 18 samples had unique signatures in comparison to the rest of the samples. In these particular cases, C-4 samples were v uniquely identified based on the inorganic impurities trapped within. Replicate sample results, however, were plagued by low precision due to a combination of factors. Some of the samples were inhomogeneous making it difficult to distinguish unique signatures. Furthermore, sample preparation methods and background particulates also contributed to precision problems. Despite these shortcomings, The ASPEX 3025 has shown great potential for future work involving explosive signatures research, and with further development should prove to be an efficient tool for determining C-4 sources of manufacturing.
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Details
- Title
- Signature discover in C-4
- Creators
- Toya Nicole Beiswenger
- Contributors
- Allan S. Felsot (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525089501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis