Dynamite analysis by Raman spectroscopy as a unique analytical tool.

ABSTRACT

Apart from powerful explosives, dynamites are complex samples with an intricate analysis. These mixtures of compounds of diverse chemical nature present a challenge to the analyst, and as a result, several analytical techniques need to be applied currently for their analysis. Taking into account that presently there are almost no methods for dynamite analysis in the literature, it is crucial to develop analytical methods that could be applied for the analysis of these samples. This study introduces the use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze dynamites. Two different dynamites made up of ethylene glycol dinitrate and ammonium nitrate, among other minor components, were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. First, confocal Raman spectroscopy allowed the identification of different components easily distinguished by eye (ammonium nitrate, ethylene glycol dinitrate, and sawdust). Then, Raman mapping was used to show the distribution of the main components throughout the dynamite mass. Finally, several minor components were identified after flocculation (nitrocellulose) or precipitation (sawdust, CaCO3, and flour). The results obtained demonstrate the huge potential of this technique for the analysis of such a complex and tricky sample.