Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) — Preliminary study on TATP and PETN

Benson, Sarah J.; Lennard, Christopher J.; Maynard, Philip; Hill, David M.; Andrew, Anita S.; Roux, Claude

doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2009.03.004

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Volume 49, Issue 2 , Pages 81-86, June 2009

Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) — Preliminary study on TATP and PETN

Sarah J. Benson
- Forensic & Data Centres, Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra 2601, ACT, Australia
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra 2601, ACT, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 6223 3386; fax: +61 2 6223 3270.
Christopher J. Lennard
- Forensic & Data Centres, Australian Federal Police, GPO Box 401, Canberra 2601, ACT, Australia
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Canberra 2601, ACT, Australia
Philip Maynard
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia
David M. Hill
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, PMB 1, Menai 2234, NSW, Australia
Anita S. Andrew
- Environmental Isotopes Pty. Ltd., PO Box 1492, Macquarie Centre 2113, NSW, Australia
Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia

Received 22 November 2008; received in revised form 9 March 2009; accepted 11 March 2009. published online 12 May 2009.

Abstract

The application of isotopic techniques to investigations requiring the provision of evidence to a Court is limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the application of light stable isotopes and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to solve complex forensic cases by providing a level of discrimination not achievable utilising traditional forensic techniques.

Due to the current threat of organic peroxide explosives, such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), research was undertaken to determine the potential of IRMS to differentiate samples of TATP that had been manufactured utilising different starting materials and/or manufacturing processes. In addition, due to the prevalence of pentaerythritoltetranitrate (PETN) in detonators, detonating cord, and boosters, the potential of the IRMS technique to differentiate PETN samples from different sources was also investigated.

Carbon isotope values were measured in fourteen TATP samples, with three definite groups appearing in the initial sample set based on the carbon data alone. Four additional TATP samples (in a second set of samples) were distinguishable utilising the carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions individually, and also in combination with the oxygen isotope values. The 3D plot of the carbon, oxygen and hydrogen data demonstrated the clear discrimination of the four samples of TATP. The carbon and nitrogen isotope values measured from fifteen PETN samples, allowed samples from different sources to be readily discriminated.

This paper demonstrates the successful application of IRMS to the analysis of explosives of forensic interest to assist in discriminating samples from different sources. This research represents a preliminary evaluation of the IRMS technique for the measurement of stable isotope values in TATP and PETN samples, and supports the dedication of resources for a full evaluation of this application in order to achieve Court reportable IRMS results.

Keywords: TATP, PETN, Isotope ratio mass spectrometry, Stable isotopes, IRMS, Explosives