NCJ Number
191457
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 802-807
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article evaluated both supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) to achieve quantitative recovery of the organic additives found in smokeless powder. Under a variety of conditions, commercial reloading powders were extracted to optimize the recovery of the additives, nitroglycerin (NG), diphenylamine (DPA), and ethyl centralite (EC).
Abstract
Forensic and military analysts have a particular interest in the recovery and determination of the organic additives or components in smokeless handgun powder. Determining the organic additives in smokeless powder residues were seen as excellent indicators in the discharge of a firearm or detonation of explosive devices. These organic additives included: (1) nitroglycerin (NG), diphenylamine (DPA), and ethyl centralite (EC). It was thought that a reliable method for quantitative extraction of smokeless powder additives would strengthen these measurements. This article evaluated both the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) as candidate techniques in developing a quantitative extraction technique for determining the organic additives in smokeless handgun powder. Results indicated that while SFE was an attractive technique, quantitative recoveries were not achieved. However, USE proved to be a highly suitable technique for the extraction of smokeless powder samples. Graphs, references