1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), 1,3,5-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) are low volatility explosives that are commonly used in improvised explosive devices. Due to their low volatility, detection from air surrounding an explosive device or people handling such devices is difficult. TNT vapor detection using amplified fluorescence quenching has been reported previously and is being used by the military. However, RDX and PETN vapor pressures are 1000 times less than TNT (vapor pressure corresponds to parts-per-trillion under ambient conditions), making their detection extremely challenging. We have developed a cross linked conjugated polymer by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET). Fluorescence of the polymer is quenched on exposure to RDX, PETN and TNT in vapor phase and solution phase. The polymer demonstrates attogram sensitivity to RDX from solution. Fluorescence is reduced by 20 % on exposure to RDX vapors within 30 seconds. On exposure to partially degraded RDX, fluorescence quenching is reduced but remains significant. This suggests a great sensitivity to RDX. Amines, solvents and common household items enhance the fluorescence of the material, thereby reducing the risk of false positives. The ease of detection of RDX and PETN vapors makes this a material of interest for security applications.

Conjugated polymers for explosives detection

248th National Meeting (2014)

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