Evaluation of composition C‐4 odor signature on a novel sorption training aid substrate

The need for reliable non-detonable training aid systems within explosive canine detection applications is imperative for optimal operational performance. This study utilized Getxent polymer technology for the creation of Composition C-4 training aid material. The objectives of this research were to (1) evaluate target volatile odor concentration emitted from tubes following mass (1 g, 10 g, and 20 g) and impregnation time (24 h, 72 h, and 1 week) variations and (2) monitor training aid shelf-life over a period of up to 4 months. Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) was a viable way to measure target C-4 odorants (2-ethyl 1-hexanol (2E1H), cyclohexanone, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB)) from Getxent tubes. On average, the Getxent tubes absorbed 8% mass of total target VOCs within bulk C-4 headspace. The 20 g, 72-h impregnated Getxent tubes yielded detection of all three targeted odor volatiles while concurrently depicting the highest average mass amount of 2E1H and cyclohexanone. A shelf-life study over a four-month period depicted that DMNB yielded higher mass amounts across all impregnation and bulk mass variations while 2E1H and cyclohexanone had lower mass amounts, losing detection levels of 2E1H after a period of 3 months. The study demonstrated the capability of the Getxent tubes in the impregnation of C-4 explosive target odor volatiles, exhibiting differences in odor mass amounts and shelf-life across the distinctive odor volatiles monitored.