Characterization of smokeless powders using multiplexed collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and chemometric procedures

摘要

This work demonstrates a non-targeted mass spectrometry approach for identification of organic compounds in smokeless powders. Unburned powders were removed from various commercial ammunitions of different brand, primer composition, caliber, and age. The unburned powders and corresponding fired residues were analyzed by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-TOFMS). Multiplexed collision-induced dissociation was performed at increasing collision potentials resulting in successive fragmentation that provided structural information for compound identification in a non-targeted manner. Nine compounds were identified in the powders, including akardite II, ethyl centralite, diphenylamine, N-nitrosodiphenylamine, and dibutyl phthalate.