Abstract2,4,6‐Trinitrotoluene (TNT) was adsorbed onto all silica MFI zeolite. These TNT doped zeolite samples were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray Diffraction (XRD). Results indicate that, using FTIR with an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) accessory, mass loading percentages as low as 2.5 mass percent TNT in zeolite are detectable. It was also observed that adsorption of TNT onto MFI did not suppress the IR absorbing vibrations of TNT. TNT doped zeolite samples were washed, using vacuum aspiration, with water and acetone, both of which stripped the TNT from the zeolite samples, indicating that the adsorption of TNT onto MFI zeolite is a physisorption, rather than chemisorption, phenomenon. Finally, a lack of strain‐induced peak broadening from XRD studies indicate that TNT does not enter the zeolitic pore structure, rather, it is adsorbed onto the zeolite surface.
This study was conducted in an attempt to develop a metallographic method for the investigation of pipe bombings. Three common pipe materials, ASTM A53 steel, AISI 304L stainless steel, and 6061-T6 aluminum, were shock-loaded using five high explosives and three propellants. The explosives used were ANFO, Composition C4, C6 detasheet, nitroglycerine-based dynamite, and flake TNT. The propellants used were FFFFg black powder, Red Dot smokeless powder, and Turbo Fuel A. The post-blast microstructure, hardness, and, in the case of 304L, transformed martensite content were examined for each test. The damage done to the microstructure was found to increase with increasing detonation velocity of the explosives and increase in pressure generated by the shockmetal interaction. Material hardness and, in the case of 304L, martensite content showed a sharp increase followed by a plateau as the shock pressure and detonation velocity increased.
A series of experiments were performed to evaluate and document the effect of a TASER ("stun gun") on triacetone triperoxide (TATP), an easily manufactured explosive used often in IEDs and suicide bombing vests. TATP samples were synthesized and subjected to several tests of their sensitivity. These samples were run through a BAM Friction test with a result of <0.5 N, Impact Test with a result of 5.8 ± 0.4 cm, and Electrostatic Discharge test with a result of 0.073 ± 0.018 J. In addition, TATP was shocked with a TASER in a variety of configurations. The TATP reacted in 17/17 tests when the TASER arced through the TATP and 0/4 times when the TATP was configured in such a way that the TATP was not subjected to the electrical arc. Based on the experimental data, TATP will readily explode in a variety of configurations by a TASER or similar device. Testing should be expanded, as the data presented here are limited to a single formulation of TATP. Just one of a large array of TASER-like devices by a single manufacturer were tested; other devices, scenarios and formulations of TATP and other likely threat materials should be assessed.
Abstract1018 steel witness plates were put into contact with the explosives Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO), composition C4, dynamite, flake trinitrotoluene (TNT), smokeless powder and black powder. Explosive-induced pitting of the metal targets was observed in tests involving C4, dynamite, TNT and smokeless powder. The microstructure directly under pitting sites was examined using standard metallographic techniques. No sign of melting was observed under or around the pits, indicating that pitting is most likely caused by impingement of hard particles on the metal surface during combustion of the explosive material, or by jet formation from the collapse of voids at the explosive/target interface.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.