Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemistry
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Jimmie Oxley
Abstract
Identifying the source of contamination is an important component of environmental management. While molecular identification is possible, this does not necessarily inform on the source. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) probes minute differences in the amounts of heavy-to-light isotopes present in organic samples, specifically those ratios of low abundance heavy isotope elements e.g. carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. These ratios of heavy-to-light isotope are characteristic and can act as fingerprints of the origin of a compound. Stable isotopic signatures are commonly used to place the origin of a material; the question examined here is: does that unique signature survive the high pressures and temperatures created by an explosion? This work asks whether explosive residue can be matched to the original bulk material. Using the common explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and the insensitive explosive 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), it appears that the residues of detonation can remain nearly identical, isotopically, to their undetonated bulk and may possibly be linked to their original manufacturer.
Recommended Citation
Lenehan, Thomas, "TRACKING THE SIGNATURE OF AN EXPLOSIVE" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2561.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2561
