Detection and Kinetic Analysis of a Fuel-Oxidizer Mixture by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

摘要

The use of Homemade Explosives (HMEs) is an emerging threat to homeland security. The study of their detection characteristics, stability and reaction kinetics is of utmost importance in the prevention of harm from these threats. Among HMEs of interest are fuel-oxidizer mixtures such as sugar with hydrogen peroxide (HP). The composition of sugar-HP mixtures can vary greatly depending on the percentage of the hydrogen peroxide and the ratio of hydrogen peroxide to sugar in the composition. Additional analysis with regard to the thermal stability, decomposition or detection of a sugar-HP mixture is necessary in order to fully understand the chemistry of this hazardous mixture. The utility of atmospheric pressure ionization (API) with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the detection of a sugar-HP mixture has been accomplished identifying possible reaction pathways of the mixture's inherent chemistry. This was done by analyzing trace amounts of the sugar-HP mixture as well as sugar control samples using a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) IMS instrument interfaced to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer to elucidate the relevant gas phase ion chemistry. Furthermore, the thermal stability and decomposition of sugar-HP mixtures were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and compared to the individual component materials. This work will help to establish protocol not only for the improved detection of these materials, but also for their safe storage, handling, and disposal.