Identification of the Emulsifier Component of Emulsion Explosives by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

• NCJ Number: 213742
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 303-307
• Author(s): David De Tata MFSc; Peter Collins B.Sc.; Neil Campbell B.Sc.
• Date Published: March 2006
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify two emulsifiers commonly used in emulsion explosives, which are used in commercial blasting and are therefore easily accessible for criminal uses.

Abstract

The two emulsifiers identified with LC-MS are ethanolamine adducts of polyisobutylene succinic anhydride (PIBSA) and sorbitol mono-oleate (SMO). LC-MS detected both emulsifiers in preblast samples, but it detected only SMO in postblast residues. The probable reason that PIBSA was not detected in postblast residues is the relatively high limit of detection for this emulsifier. The analysis of the hydrocarbon component by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was achieved in the same procedure. The description of the materials and methods used addresses the standard emulsifier samples, instrumentation, instrument operating parameters for PIBSA analysis, instrument operating parameters for SMO analysis, and instrument operating parameters for hydrocarbon analysis. Also described are bulk explosive extracts and the collection and preparation of postexplosion residues. 9 figures and 16 references