Development of Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices for the Detection of Low Explosives

Authors

Kathryn R. ChabaudFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Chemistry

First Advisor's Name

Bruce McCord

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Jose Almirall

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Yong Cai

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Shekhar Bhansali

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fifth Advisor's Name

Martin Quirke

Fifth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

microfluidic paper-based analytical device (uPAD), low explosive, smokeless powder, pyrotechnic, Improvised explosive device (IED), colorimetric testing

Date of Defense

9-27-2019

Abstract

Incidents of terrorism have been on the rise despite increased government regulation of explosives. These regulations and the internet have made the application of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) such as fireworks and smokeless powders more prevalent. These devices contain low explosives which are easier to acquire than high explosives, which are more closely monitored. Pipe bombs typically contain smokeless powders, which are mostly comprised of energetics such as nitroglycerine (NG) and organic additives such as diphenylamine. Another type of easily obtainable material containing low explosives is pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics are usually made up of a mixture of inorganic chemical oxidizers and carbon, sulfur, or metal fuels that are used to produce different types of sound and lighting effects. Due to the wide range of compounds contained in IEDs, it makes detection difficult and time consuming as many different methods must be used to determine composition. This research project worked to develop a method for the rapid detection of a variety of low explosive components.

Through the use of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), tests can be performed for multiple compounds simultaneously via colorimetric reactions. The first of the two μPADs was developed for the detection of inorganic compounds commonly contained in low explosives, such as pyrotechnics. The second device was developed for the detection of energetics and organic additives contained within smokeless powders. Visual limits of detection ranged from 0.025-0.5 μg of the target compounds with an analysis time of less than 10 minutes for both devices. These methods allow for rapid, on-site detection of a range of different low explosives from pyrotechnics to smokeless powders.

Identifier

FIDC007835

Previously Published In

Chabaud, K. R.; Thomas, J. L.; Torres, M. N.; Oliveira, S.; McCord. B. R.; Simultaneous colorimetric detection of metallic salts contained in low explosives residue using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD); Journal of Forensic Chemistry, 9, 35-41. doi: 10.1016/j.forc.2018.03.008

Recommended Citation

Chabaud, Kathryn R., "Development of Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices for the Detection of Low Explosives" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4360.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4360