Profiling the origin of ammonium nitrate: proof-of-principle
conference paper
In many Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) the main charge consists of ammonium nitrate (AN). For forensic reasons, screening for the origin of AN is of importance. By assessing specifi c characteristics, diff erent AN batches can be profi led, in this way providing extra information which could lead to the origin of the AN batches. In our research we give a proof-of-principle of this profi ling methodology. Several batches of AN, with diff erent origin, were analyzed with several techniques. Both analytical and thermal analysis were performed. Each of the analysis techniques determines specifi c properties of the AN batches. By combining the results of all of these techniques, a unique ‘fingerprint’ was obtained of the investigated AN batches. The measured diff erences in the AN batches were collected in a database. Before this database can be used to trace back the origin of the AN (e.g. region in the world where it was produced originally, or even a shortlist of potential manufacturers), it needs to be filled with data on much more AN batches. Nevertheless, even with only a limited database, profi ling data from AN samples taken from diff erent IEDs can be compared and statements can be made about the probability that the AN samples originate from the same source. As a result, samples can be linked to each other and pathways of possible terrorist activities can be clarified.
TNO Identifier
428426
Source title
1st EU Conference on the Detection of Explosives (EUCDE), Avignon, France, 14-16 March 2011
Collation
4 p.
Files
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