Abstract
Abstract United States military Composition C-4 explosive contains 91% cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), 5.3% dioctyl sebacate or adipate (DOS or DOA), 2.1% polyisobutylene (PIB), and 1.6% oil. The original military specification required low viscosity engine oil, but this has since been changed to a specially manufactured mineral oil, also called “process oil.” Differentiation of military and commercial Composition C-4 may be possible by analyzing the oil. In this study, samples of Composition C-4 were taken from various lots of U.S. military M112 demolition blocks from two commercially manufactured brands sold in the U.S. The oil and plasticizer were extracted with pentane, and the plasticizer was removed using silica solid phase extraction cartridges. The oil was then analyzed by high-temperature gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HTGC/MS). Results indicated that HTGC/MS is an excellent discriminating technique for oil comparisons; however, differentiation of Composition C-4 is limited by manufacturer production and distribution practices.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
