Post-blast explosive residue – a review of formation and dispersion theories and experimental research

Abstract

Review of theoretical and experimental research relating to the formation and distribution of post-blast explosive residues.

Photo-induced enhanced Raman spectroscopy for universal ultra-trace detection of explosives, pollutants and biomolecules

“…The possibility of photo-inducing chemical enhancement of SERS, independently of the nature of the molecule, even for low Raman cross-section species, leads to a wide range of applications for this PIERS technique. An area where SERS substrates are of great value is in homeland security, for detection of high explosives during environmental monitoring and post-blast forensics 41 . This requires SERS techniques that work on inexpensive, reusable substrates with high sensitivities for low-cross-section molecules such as nitro-aliphatic PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) and RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), as well as the widely used TNT (trinitrotoluene) and its decomposition product DNT (dinitrotoluene).…”

Sampling of explosive residues: The use of a gelatine-based medium for the recovery of ammonium nitrate

“…Whilst the exact mechanism by which these traces persist during detonation events is unknown, it is accepted that they do, and can subsequently be found at post-blast scenes. Explosives undergoing deflagration (rapid burning) as opposed to detonation are termed low explosives and leave large deposits of unconsumed particulates which are easier to identify by investigators [6,15]. Residue recoveries from explosives undergoing detonation are much more challenging [15]; in such events, undetonated explosive residues are still present as a result of the incomplete combustion of the explosive [6].…”

“…However, the majority of explosive residues consist of relatively simple anions, cations and vapours which have little diagnostic value [3][4][5]. Therefore, the primary goal of the forensic scientist is to recover traces of the original explosive materials that were not consumed in the detonation [6].…”

Atmospheric emission of NO from mining explosives: A critical review

“…(i) Typical air contamination: This category includes the emission of harmful gases, dust, explosive residues and particulate matters (PM) (Abdollahisharif et al, 2016; -Karim et al, 2014;Anderson et al, 2012;Aneja et al, 2012;Bian et al, 2010;Csavina et al, 2012;DEE, 2016;Donoghue, 2004;English and Luo, 2001;Gautam et al, 2012;Huertas et al, 2012a;Huertas et al, 2012b;Kissell, 2003;Petavratzi et al, 2005;Sánchez Bisquert et al, 2017). The major gaseous load from mining activities corresponds to NO x , sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, photochemical oxidants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane (Attalla et al, 2008;Bian et al, 2010;Day et al, 2010;DEE, 2016;Harris and Mainiero, 2008;Mainiero et al, 2007;Reisen et al, 2017;Saari et al, 2016;Su et al, 2011 (Arpacıoğlu and Er, 2003;Darcovich et al, 1997;ELAW, 2010;Jain et al, 2015;Lashgari et al, 2013).…”