Spectroscopic Investigations of Energetic Materials and Associated Impurities
Abstract
The detection of explosive devices through analysis of the characteristic emitted vapors has been attempted in the past using a variety of techniques. However, little work has been performed on the spectroscopic properties of these vapors. By obtaining fundamental data on these properties, the feasibility of employing such a detection technique can be determined. Along these lines, we have performed extensive studies of the absorption characteristics of a number of explosive and explosive-related compounds, both in the vapor phase and in solutions. Specifically, the materials studied include 2,3 DNT, 2,4 DNT, 2,6 DNT, TNT, nitroglycerine, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, monomethylamine, RDX, cyclohexanone, and PETN. The solution spectra were recorded in order to obtain useful supplementary information on the general behavior of the absorbing species. Flash photolysis experiments on TNT were conducted in solution in order to identify and study the characteristic dissociation products. This technique can be extremely useful in determining whether the photodecomposition properties of certain explosive materials can be used as a basis for their detection. Initially, this work has been done in solution as a prelude to vapor-phase dissociation studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADB038157
Entities
People
- B. Dibartolo
- D. P. Pacheco
- M. J. Shultz
Organizations
- Boston College