Examination of inorganic oxidizing salts in intact and chemically reacted consumer fireworks
Sydney Hampton, Sam Houston State University
This study demonstrates an analytical scheme integrating light microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM-EDS to identify the inorganic oxidizing salts present in twelve consumer firework samples (including artillery, firecrackers (ladyfingers), Roman candles, and fountains across three different brands for each type). The strengths and limitations of each technique were evaluated for the analysis of the intact fireworks and the particles and residues resulting from the chemically reacted fireworks.
Testing the efficiency of sampling techniques for TNT in post- blast debris using GC-MS
Nicholas Jernigan, Sam Houston State University
After an explosion has occurred, the ability to collect explosives residue from surfaces is crucial to detecting the presence of explosives in a variety of settings. The survivability and persistence of the post-blast particles is an important factor to consider, as this will depend on the type of material around the blast scene. This study focuses on testing (a) different methods of contact sampling and (b) various surfaces often encountered at a post-blast scene to determine the combination(s) that enable the best recovery and detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Detection of organic explosive residues from authentic outdoor explosions using micro-Raman spectroscopy
Dr. Geraldine Monjardez, Sam Houston State University
The detection of post-blast residues in the aftermath of an explosion involving organic explosives with spectroscopic techniques is challenging as, typically, no microscopically visible unreacted particles remain after the explosion. This research describes a workflow involving a simple liquid extraction for the rapid and accurate identification of smokeless powder constituents, TNT, and RDX post-blast explosives residue using micro-Raman spectroscopy following authentic explosive events.
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