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- Title
A Method for Rapid Separation of Perchlorate and Nitrate Salts in Pyrotechnic and Improvised Explosive Mixtures.
- Authors
Zelkowicz, Avraham; Tenne, Dana; Kirshenbaum, Yonit Kasherman; Rossin, Anna; Mishraki-Berkowitz, Tehila
- Abstract
To forensically identify pyrotechnic and improvised explosive samples obtained from a crime scene, some methods require separation of the mixtures into their components. This study examined separation of the common salts potassium nitrate and potassium perchlorate, based on their differences in aqueous solubility at different temperatures. Separation quality was tested using the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum of each substance. Potassium perchlorate was separated at a relatively low concentration of 25 wt.% using cold aqueous extraction (at 4 °C). Potassium nitrate separation showed greater dependence on salt concentrations but it was possible to improve separation quality by repeating the extraction. The success of this method has been proved in cases involving pre- and post-blast exhibits in which mixtures of potassium nitrate and potassium perchlorate were identified. This simple and rapid method of separation makes it possible to easily identify improvised and pyrotechnic explosive mixtures and makes it unnecessary to conduct additional tests, such as ion chromatography.
- Subjects
NITRATES; POTASSIUM nitrate; POTASSIUM salts; ION exchange chromatography; INFRARED spectroscopy
- Publication
Journal of Forensic Identification, 2020, Vol 70, Issue 2, p231
- ISSN
0895-173X
- Publication type
Article