A Technical Approach to Marking Explosives, Propellants, and Precursor Chemicals

Abstract

Techniques for marking or tagging explosives, propellants, and precursor chemicals-chemicals which can be used to manufacture explosives and propellants-are discussed. The history of taggant technology and the effectiveness of various techniques are discussed. Several detection and identification taggant concepts are identified including electromagnetic radiation, immunochemical assays, DNA, rare-earth elements, and isotopic labeling. Detection technologies for detecting tagged and untagged explosives, propellants, and precursor chemicals pre-blast and post-blast are identified. Technical and management issues associated with implementing a taggant program are reviewed. Potential "stakeholder" groups are identified and their positions are discussed in terms of the present direction of taggant work. Projections of the deterrent effect of taggants on the ability of terrorists to inflict their will through the use of lethal force are also postulated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA497386

Entities

People

  • Ryanne J. Mayersak

Organizations

  • Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Waves
  • Chemical Elements
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Elements
  • Explosives
  • Gamma Rays
  • High Explosives
  • Liquid Explosives
  • Materials
  • Materials Testing
  • Propellants
  • Radiation
  • Rare Earth Elements
  • United States

Readers

  • Library and Information Science
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Strategic Security Studies