Trace headspace sampling for quantitative analysis of explosives with cryoadsorption on short alumina porous layer open tubular columns.

Quantitative headspace (HS) measurements have been performed on the practical industrial and military plastic bonded explosives (PBX) tagged-C-4, Semtex-1A, Semtex-H, detonating cord (detcord), and sheet explosive (Detaflex). The measurements were made by a modified purge and trap technique developed in our laboratory on the basis of cryoadsorption on short alumina-coated porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns. Trace compounds (of both high and low volatility) were identified and quantitated as a function of HS collection temperature. The data are presented in the form of van't Hoff equations. The linear relationship of the recovered mass as a function of inverse collection temperature reveals the predictive capabilities of the methodology employed here. Knowledge of the compounds that can be detected, along with the expected concentrations to be collected, can aid in detection of explosive materials. Additionally, these data can aid in the standardization, calibration, and certification of energetic material detection devices and can aid in the training of canines for explosive detection.