Suggested Guide for Explosive Analysis Training

This is a suggested guideline for the training of an examiner in the field of explosive analysis by 

an appropriately qualified explosives examiner/analyst. If an appropriate instructor is 

unavailable, the corresponding sections of the training should be sought externally. This training 

guide may be modified to fit an agency’s training requirements and goals. All training must be 

conducted following proper safety procedures as prescribed by the appropriate 

agency/organization guidelines, as well as all applicable laws/regulations. When practical and 

available, coordination with local bomb squads is highly recommended. 

All training must include proper documentation upon completion of each section/module. The 

trainee may not have to complete all sections. The needs and available instrumentation of the 

agency will dictate the individual training program selected from the following guidelines. 

However, the trainee needs to be aware of other analytical methods that are utilized elsewhere.

Methods of instruction may include instructions by trainer, self study and/or online guides and/or 

external instruction.

Method of evaluation may include oral, written and/or practical exercise(s).

Suggested readings may be found for each section in the accompanying bibliography.

I. Introduction

Introduction to Explosives

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Describe the historical development of explosives. (i.e. black powder, TNT, smokeless 

powder, nitroglycerin, pyrotechnics, etc.)

2. Describe the different types of explosives and how they can be classified. Examples of 

the different classification systems should include: low vs. high, deflagrating vs. 

detonating, DOT shipping classifications, chemical classifications, etc.

3. Explain legal uses of explosives. (i.e. blasting, propellants, military, pyrotechnic, etc.)

4. Explain illegal uses of explosives. (i.e. terrorism, Improvised Explosive Devices etc.)

Practical Exercises:

1. None recommended.
II. Chemistry of Explosives

Chemistry of commercially produced Black Powder/Black Powder Substitutes

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Recognize Black Powder and Black Powder substitutes, including particle sizes and 

morphologies.

2. Describe Black Powder and Black Powder substitute formulations.

3. Explain the Black Powder and Black Powder substitute combustion products.

4. Explain the various mechanisms that can be used to initiate Black Powder and Black 

Powder substitutes and describe any resulting differences, if any. 

Practical Exercises:

1. Examine at least ten samples of Black Powder and/or Black Powder substitutes, classify 

them by physical characteristics. These charateristics should include but not be limited 

to: color, texture, luster, particle size, pellets, etc.

2. Make a list of the formulations of Black Powder (ie. Goex) and Black Powder substitutes 

(ie. Black Canyon, Pyrodex, Triple 7, Clear Shot, Clean Shot, etc).

3. Make a list of the combustion products of Black Powder and Black Powder substitutes.

4. Burn samples of at least five Black Powder and/or Black Power substitutes, noting smoke 

production, gas production, flame color and other characteristics of the burning material, 

utilizing proper safety procedures. Examine partially burned/consumed particles.

5. Visit and summarize commercial manufacturer websites associated with black powder 

and black powder substitutes.

6. Visually examine at least five unknowns and classify them as Black Powder and/or Black

 Powder substitutes.

Chemistry of smokeless powder

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Recognize smokeless powder.
2. Describe the different morphologies and how they relate to speed of burn, for example, 

disc vs. perforated disc, rod vs. tube, size, etc.

3. Describe the difference between single, double, and triple base smokeless powder.

a. Single - nitrocellulose

b. Double - nitrocellulose & nitroglycerine

c. Triple - nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine & nitroguanidine

4. Describe the different additives that may be present in various types/brands of smokeless 

powders, as well as their intended purpose. 

5. Explain the various mechanisms that can be used to initiate different types of Smokeless

Powder and describe any resulting differences, if any. 

Practical Exercises:

1. Examine at least five samples of Smokeless Powder and classify them by physical 

characteristics. This should include at least one sample of each type of morphology.

2. Make a list of common ingredients used in Smokeless Powder and their purpose.

3. Describe the combustion products of Smokeless Powder.

4. Burn samples of at least five different types of Smokeless Powder, noting smoke 

production, gas production, flame color and other characteristics of the burning material, 

utilizing proper safety procedures. Examine partially burned/consumed particles.

5. Visit and summarize commercial manufacturer websites associated with smokeless 

powders.

6. Examine at least five unknowns and classify them as the type of Smokeless Powder.

Chemistry of Pyrotechnics

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Recognize the difference between a pyrotechnic mixture and black powder/black powder 

substitutes or smokeless powder.

2. Discuss the different oxidizers, fuels and burn modifiers used in pyrotechnic 

formulations.

3. Discuss combustion products of pyrotechnic mixtures.
4. Describe possible end uses of pyrotechnic mixtures based on their formulation.

(for example, strontium nitrate, sulfur, and sawdust are consistent with road fusee or 

similar device)

5. Be able to describe methods of preparation of various types of pyrotechnic devices 

including but not limited to: sparklers, M-80’s, firecrackers, Roman candles, whistles, 

stars, fountains, etc. 

6. Explain the various mechanisms that can be used to initiate pyrotechnic powders and 

mixtures and describe any resulting differences, if any. 

Practical Exercises:

1. By direct visual examination and a stereomicroscope, examine at least five powders 

from pyrotechnic devices.

2. Make a list of formulations from the literature of at least five pyrotechnic devices or 

powders including, but not limited to, flash powder, firecrackers, railroad fusee, road 

flare, cones/fountains, piccolo/whistling Pete, sparklers, Roman candle, torpedo/snap 

pops, smokes, and animal control devices (e.g. gopher gassers, etc.)

3. Based on the formulation of pre-blast products of at least five pyrotechnic powders, 

list the possible post blast products.

4. Burn samples of ten powders separately, noting smoke production, gas production, 

flame color and other characteristics of the burning material, utilizing proper safety 

procedures. Examine partially burned/consumed particles.

5. Visit and summarize commercial manufacturer websites associated with 

pyrotechnics.

Chemistry of Primary High Explosives

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Describe different types and formulations of primary high explosives (i.e. lead styphnate, 

mercury fulminate, Armstrong’s mixture, TATP, HMTD, lead azide).

2. Explain the combustion products of primary high explosives.

3. Describe possible uses of primary high explosives.

4. Be able to describe methods of manufacture/preparation of primary high explosives.
5. Explain the various mechanisms that can be used to initiate primary high explosives. 

Practical Exercises: (Due to safety concerns, actual hands-on work should be limited and proper 

safety precautions must be taken)

1. Make a list of formulations from the literature of at least five primary high explosive 

materials including, but not limited to lead styphnate, mercury fulminate, Armstrong’s 

mixture, TATP, HMTD, lead azide, etc.

2. Describe safe handling procedures associated with primary high explosives.

3. Provide summaries of websites or other documentation that describes manufacturing 

procedures for primary high explosives.

Chemistry of Secondary High Explosives

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the different types and formulations of secondary high explosives to include but 

not be limited to dynamites, TNT, ANFO, binary, slurries/emulsions, plastic bonded 

explosives, detonating cord, military explosives, etc.

2. Discuss the combustion products of secondary high explosives.

3. Describe the uses of secondary high explosives.

4. Be able to describe methods of manufacture/preparation of secondary high explosives, 

including chemical marking agents &/or taggants.

5. Explain what is meant by an explosive train and give examples (both electrical and nonelectrical) that could be used to initiate secondary explosives.

6. Discuss issues related to the method of initiation. This discussion should include such 

topics as low vs. high order detonations, critical diameter, etc.

Practical Exercises:

1. By direct physical examination and using a stereoscope, examine at least five secondary 

high explosives.

2. Burn samples of five secondary high explosives separately, noting smoke production, 

gas production, flame color and other characteristics of the burning material, utilizing 

proper safety procedures. Examine partially burned/consumed particles.
3. Visit and summarize commercial manufacturer websites associated with secondary high 

explosives.

Improvised Explosive Mixtures

(If possible enlist the assistance of the local bomb squad for supplement demonstrations, 

lectures, etc).

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Describe and identify chemical components used in improvised explosive mixtures, such 

as chemical reaction bombs, “home-made” explosive mixtures, etc.

2. Describe how the different types of improvised explosive mixtures react and cause an 

explosion.

3. Describe the possible reaction products of different improvised explosive mixtures.

Practical Exercises:

 

1. Appropriate practical exercises may be conducted at the discretion of the trainer.
III. Presumptive Chemical Testing Procedures

Color Spot Tests for Explosives 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Correctly perform a color spot test for various cations and anions.

2. Correctly perform a color spot test for various explosives (e.g., TNT, RDX, etc.) and 

explosive components (e.g., sulfur, aluminum).

3. Understand the interfering substances and limitations of each color spot test used.

4. Where possible, describe the chemical reaction of the color spot test.

Practical Exercises:

1. Prepare the appropriate reagents and conduct a positive control to ensure reagents are 

performing correctly.

2. Using various oxidizers, fuels, low explosives and high explosives perform relevant color 

spot tests.

3. Using various standards or reference materials of post blast products and combustion 

products, perform relevant color spot tests.

Thin Layer Chromatography

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Be familiar with practical thin layer chromatography.

2. Demonstrate the different retention factors (Rf) for different explosives.

3. Demonstrate the use of visualization methods for explosives.

Practical Exercises:

1. Utilizing single and double based smokeless gunpowders, run two different TLC systems 

and develop each using appropriate visualization methods.

2. Determine the components present in each and compare to literature data.
3. Utilizing different types of high explosives (example TNT, RDX and PETN), run two 

different TLC systems and develop each using appropriate visualizing methods.
IV. Microscopy of Explosives

Basic Microscope Knowledge and Particle Manipulation

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the trainee will be able to:

1. Name the important parts of a stereomicroscope and polarizing light microscope.

2. Explain the basic theory of optics, resolution, and how magnification is achieved.

3. Describe basic theory of polarized light microscopy and optical crystallography.

4. Setup and align any of the light microscopes used in the examination and analysis of 

explosives.

5. Handle small particles using the naked eye, stereomicroscope and PLM.

Practical Exercises:

1. Properly setup a stereomicroscope.

2. Properly setup and align a transmitted light microscope (e.g. Kohler illumination).

3. Practice small particle manipulation using the naked eye, stereomicroscope and PLM.

Water Recrystallization Method of Inorganic Oxidizer Identification

Objective: 

Upon completion of this unit the trainee will be able to: 

1. Recognize common inorganic oxidizers through water recrystallization.

Practical Exercises: 

1. The trainee shall recrystallize known standards or reference materials of common 

inorganic oxidizers. This should include at least the following: NH4NO3, NaNO3, KNO3, 

KClO3, KClO4, Ba(NO3)2 and NH4ClO4.

2. During recrystallization the trainee should note the optical crystallographic properties 

such as morphology, refractive index (indices), interfacial angles, crystal system, 

birefringence, optic angle, and optic sign for each of the common inorganic oxidizers.
Fusion Method of Identification of Inorganic Oxidizers 

Objective: 

Upon completion of this unit the trainee will be able to: 

1. Recognize common inorganic oxidizers by using the fusion method. 

Practical Exercises:

1. Recrystallize melts of standards or reference materials of common inorganic oxidizers, to 

include at least the following: NH4NO3, NaNO3, KNO3, KClO3, KClO4, Ba(NO3)2 and 

NH4ClO4.

2. The trainee should note the optical crystallographic characteristics of the fusion 

preparation during and after recrystallization. 

Microchemical Crystal Tests

Objective: Upon completion of this section the trainee will be able to:

1. Perform microchemical crystal tests to identify cations and anions found in common 

oxidizers.

Practical Exercises:

1. Perform microchemical crystal tests on oxidizers to determine the cations, using the 

corresponding reagents. These cations should include: K+(Chloroplatinic acid),NH4

+

(Chloroplatinic acid - hanging drop test), Na+(zinc acetate/uranyl acetate), & various 

cations (Squaric acid).

2. Perform microchemical crystal tests on oxidizers to determine the anions, using the 

corresponding reagents. These anions should include: NO3

-

(Nitron), ClO4

-

(Methylene 

Blue, Nitron, or Strychnine Sulfate), & ClO3 (Nitron or Methylene Blue).

3. The trainee will conduct water extractions on burned and unburned pyrotechnic materials 

(to include Black Powder, Pyrodex, and flash powder) and perform the microchemical 

crystal tests on the extracts.

Recrystallization of Sulfur using Suitable Organic Solvents

Objective: Upon completion of this section the trainee will be able to:

1. Recognize sulfur through organic solvent recrystallization.
Practical Exercises:

1. The trainee shall recrystallize sulfur from known standards or reference materials.

2. During recrystallization the trainee should note the optical crystallographic properties 

such as morphology, refractive indices, interfacial angles, crystal system, and 

birefringence for sulfur.

Identification of Organic High Explosives

Objective: 

Upon completion of this unit the trainee will be able to:

1. Recognize common organic high explosive by PLM techniques.

Practical Exercises:

1. Examine the following preparations found under both the Identification of Organic High 

Explosives section and in the Recrystallization of Organic High Explosives section and 

note the characteristic optical crystallographic properties such as morphology, refractive 

index (indices), interfacial angles, crystal system, birefringence, optic angle, and optic 

sign for each standard or reference material used in both practical exercises.

2. Prepare temporary and/or permanent microscopical mounts for organic high explosives

standards or reference materials such as, but not limited to: TNT, PETN, HMX, RDX, 

etc.

Recrystallization of Organic High Explosives

Practical Exercises:

1. Organic high explosives standards or reference materials from appropriate solvents such 

as, but not limited to:

A. HMX from acetone

B. RDX from nitromethane

C. Picric acid from ethanol/water (1:1)

2. Fusion Method of Identifications of Organic High Explosives.

A. Prepare fusion melts for organic high explosives such as, but not limited to: TNT, 

PETN, Tetryl, and HMX.
B. Prepare a mixed fusion melt for organic high explosives such as, but not limited 

to: TNT/ Ammonium Nitrate (e.g.: Amatol), Picric Acid/ Thymol, and TNT/RDX 

(e.g.: Composition B or Military Dynamite).

C. Recrystallize organic high explosives such as, but not limited to, HMX and RDX, 

by sublimation.
V. Instrumental Methods 

Infrared Spectroscopy (IR/FTIR)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of IR/FTIR and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Compare and contrast different sampling methods and available IR/FTIR accessories.

3. Explain and be able to perform appropriate performance evaluation procedures and/or

quality checks as well as routine instrument maintenance.

4. Prepare samples for analysis choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample. 

Interpret the results obtained using library searches or comparison to known standards or 

reference materials and/or spectral subtraction when appropriate.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory and explain the 

function of each component. These should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the 

energy source, the optics and the detector.

2. Perform appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument.

3. Analyze at least one substance using all IR/FTIR accessories available, and compare the 

results obtained, ease of analysis, and benefits of each technique.

4. Analyze at least five samples of explosive to include both low and high explosives.

Raman Spectroscopy (RS)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of Raman and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Discuss the applications of available Raman accessories.

3. Explain and be able to perform appropriate performance evaluation procedures and/or 

quality checks as well as routine instrument maintenance.
4. Prepare samples for analysis choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample. 

Interpret the results obtained using library searches or comparison to known standards or 

reference materials and/or spectral subtraction when appropriate.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory and explain the 

function of each component. These should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the 

energy source, the optics and the detector.

2. Perform appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument.

3. Analyze at least one substance using all IR/FTIR accessories available, and compare the 

results obtained, ease of analysis, and benefits of each technique.

4. Analyze at least five samples of explosive to include both low and high explosives.

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of GC and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Compare and contrast column types used in GC.

3. Discuss the different sample introduction techniques and detectors available for GC. 

4. Explain and be able to perform appropriate performance evaluation procedures and/or 

quality checks as well as routine instrument maintenance.

5. Prepare samples for analysis choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample. 

Interpret the results obtained using library searches or comparison to known standards or

reference materials.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory and explain the 

function of each component.

2. Perform all appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument. 
3. Analyze known explosive components such as NG, nitromethane, fuel oil, wax and other 

suitable materials.

4. Analyze at least five unknown samples by GC, interpret the results, and discuss the 

limitations of the interpretation.

Gas Chromatography /Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of GC/MS and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Discuss the available sample introduction and ionization techniques.

3. Explain and be able to perform appropriate performance evaluation procedures and/or 

quality checks and routine instrument maintenance.

4. Prepare samples for analysis choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample.

5. Interpret the results obtained using library searches or comparison to known standards or 

reference materials when appropriate.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory and explain the 

function of each component.

2. Perform all appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument. 

3. Analyze samples from each type of appropriate explosive available including smokeless 

powder, high explosives, and other appropriate materials.

4. Analyze at least five unknown samples by GC/MS, run spectral library searches or ion 

profiling as appropriate and discuss the limitations of the interpretation.

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)/Ion Chromatography (IC)/Capillary 

Electrophoresis (CE)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Explain the basic theory of HPLC/IC/CE and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instruments.

2. Explain and be able to perform appropriate quality checks and routine instrument 

maintenance.

3. Be able to explain the strengths and limitations of the technique and of the different 

detectors.

4. Prepare samples for analysis, choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample.

5. Interpret the results obtained in comparison to known standards or reference materials.

Practical exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory, and explain the 

function of each component.

2. Perform all appropriate calibration and/or quality checks before using the instrument.

3. Analyze appropriate extracts from a variety of known explosive standards or reference 

materials and explosive residues.

4. Analyze at least five unknown samples by HPLC/IC/CE, compare to standards or 

reference materials and discuss the limitations of the interpretation.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory and instrumentation used in XRF. 

2. Explain and be able to perform appropriate performance evaluation procedures and/or 

quality checks and routine instrument maintenance.

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of the technique.

4. Prepare samples for analysis, choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample.

5. Interpret the results obtained.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory, and explain the 
function of each component. This should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the xray source, optics and the detector.

2. Perform all appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument.

3. Analyze common explosive materials, combustion products and explosive device 

components available.

4. Analyze at least five unknown samples by XRF and discuss the limitations of the 

interpretation.

Scanning Electron Microscope / Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of SEM/EDS and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Explain and be able to perform appropriate quality checks and routine instrument 

maintenance.

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of the technique including factors which may effect 

the resulting spectrum such as escape peaks, sum peaks, peak overlaps, and peak ratio 

shifts in a spectrum.

4. Prepare samples for analysis choosing the technique most appropriate to the sample.

5. Interpret the results obtained.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory, and explain the 

function of each component. This should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the xray source, optics and the detector.

2. Perform all appropriate performance evaluation and/or quality checks before using the 

instrument.

3. Analyze common explosive materials, combustion products and explosive device 

components available.

4. Analyze at least five unknown samples by SEM/EDS, and discuss the limitations of the 

interpretation.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Explain the basic theory of XRD and be able to explain the function of the major 

components of the instrument.

2. Explain and be able to perform appropriate quality checks and routine instrument 

maintenance.

3. Be able to explain how sample displacement, preferred orientation, amorphous 

substances, sample flatness and crystal size can influence the resulting diffraction pattern.

4. Know how sample preparation can compensate for many of these, and be able to use 

several different sample preparation techniques.

5. Explain the strengths and limitations of the technique.

6. Prepare samples for analysis using a variety of methods.

7. Interpret the results obtained using library searches and/or comparison to known 

standards or reference materials.

Practical Exercises:

1. Diagram the components of the instrument available in your laboratory and explain the 

function of each component.

2. Perform all appropriate quality checks before using the instrument.

3. Analyze common explosive materials and combustion products using different sampling 

techniques available. Compare the results obtained, ease of preparation, and benefits of 

each technique.

4. Analyze samples from many types of explosive available including black powder and 

post-combustion black powder, black powder substitutes, and other explosives commonly 

encountered.

5. Analyze at least five unknown samples by XRD, run library searches, and discuss the 

limitations of the interpretation.
VI. Device Component Recognition and Identification

It is recognized that the different laboratory systems will authorize different levels of device 

reconstruction determination. It is possible to determine device components without 

reconstructing an actual device.

Device Component Recognition and Identification

In an ideal situation it is highly recommended that the bomb squad and laboratory personnel 

establish a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Recognize device components to include, but not be limited to:

a. firing train components.

i. electrical

1. timers, switches, cellphones, remote control devices, etc.

ii. non-electrical/mechanical

1. timers, hobby fuse, safety fuse, shock tube, etc.

b. containers

i. pipe nipples, end caps, fittings, etc.

ii. cardboad tubes, glass objects, plastic bottles, CO2 cartridges, or any other 

type of unconventional packaging (fire extinguishers, duct tape, 

flashlights, etc.) 

c. misc. parts

i. Solder, tape, glue, etc.

2. Describe the different components used in explosive devices and possible device 

configurations.

Practical Exercises:

1. Under the supervision of qualified EOD personnel, observe the construction of devices 

and recover device debris after initiation. These devices should include different types of 

initiating systems including cannon fuse, safety fuse and improvised initiators to include 

both electric and nonelectric types.

2. Observe and document all surviving device components.

3. Document all unaccounted device components.

4. If possible examine a minimum of five different devices of known construction in postblast condition.The devices must be constructed utilizing different types of containers, 

construction and explosive filler. 
5. Describe the characteristics of the remaining device components. These characteristics 

can include visual observations, odors, measurements, etc.
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Crockett, T.S., and C.R. Newhouser. Recognition of Explosive and Incendiary Devices. Part II 

Land Mines; Artillery, Mortar, and Rocket Projectiles 03-2. Gaithersburg, MD: The National 

Bomb Data Center Research Division, International Association of Chiefs of Police, 1976. Print.

Lenz, Robert R. Explosives and Bomb Disposal Guide. Second Printing. Springfield, IL: 

Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1970. Print.

Powell, William. The Anarchist Cookbook. Secausus, NJ: Lyle Stuart, Inc., 1971. Print.

Scott, Lee. Pipe and Fire Bomb Designs: A Guide for Police Bomb Technicians. Boulder, CO: 

Paladin Press, 1994. Print.

Stoffel, Joseph F. Explosives and Homemade Bombs. Third Printing. Springfield, IL: Charles 

C. Thomas Publisher, 1969. Print.

Saxon, Kurt. The Poor Man's James Bond. Vol. 1. El Dorado, AR: Desert Publications, 1991. 

Print.

Compiled by Frankford Arsenal Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Improvised Munitions Black Book. 

El Dorado, AR: Desert Publications, 1978. Print.

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Detonator 

Recognition and Identification Guide. S.I.: n.p., In Partnership with the Arson and Explosives 

Committee International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2003. Print.

Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics. Explosives and Explosive Ordnance Recognition 

Guide. S.I.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Fireworks/Pyrotechnics:

Conkling, John A. Chemistry of Pyrotechnics: Basic Principles and Theory. New York, NY: 

Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1985. Print.

Donner, John. A Professionals Guide to Pyrotechnics. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 1997. Print.

Ellern, Herbert. Military and Civilian Pyrotechnics. New York, NY: Chemical Publishing Co., 

Inc., 1968. Print.

Haarmann, Donald J. The Wizards Pyrotechnic Formulary. S.I.: n.p., 1996. Print.

Shimizu, Dr. Takeo. Fireworks: The Art, Science and Technique. Midland, TX: Pyrotechnica 

Publications, 1981. Print. 
HME/IME

Crippin, James B. Explosives and Chemical Weapons Identification. Boca Raton, FL: CRC 

Press, 2006. Print.

Technical Support Working Group. Indicators and Warnings for Homemade Explosives. 

Washington, D.C.: n.p., 2008. Print.

Turkington, Robert. Chemicals Used for Illegal Purposes. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. Print.

Military:

Department of the Army FM 21-16. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) procedures. Washington, 

D.C.: n.p., 1994. Print.

Department of the Army TC 20-32-3. Foreign Mine Handbook (Balkan States). Washington, 

D.C.: n.p., 1997. Print.

Department of the Army TC 20-32-4. Foreign Mine Handbook (Asia). Washington, D.C.: n.p., 

1997. Print.

Department of the Army FM 31-200-1. Unconventional Warfare Devices and Techniques –

References. Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1966. Print.

Department of the Army FM 31-200-1. Unconventional Warfare Devices and Techniques –

Incendiaries. Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1966. Print.

Department of the Army FM 31-210. Improvised Munitions Handbook. Washington, D.C.: n.p., 

1969. Print.

General Chemistry:

McMurry, John. Organic Chemistry. 5th edition. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole, A Division 

of Thomson Learning, Inc., 2000. Print.

Skoog, D.A., D.M. West, F.J. Holler, and S.R. Crouch. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. 

8

th edition. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, A Division of Thomson Learning, Inc., 2004. Print.

General Instrumental Methods:

Yinon, Jehuda, and Shmuel Zitrin. The Analysis of Explosives. Oxford, England: Pergamon

Press, 1981. Print.
Yinon, Jehuda, and Shmuel Zitrin. Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis of Explosives. 

Chichester, West Sussex, England: J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. Print.

Willard, Hobart H., Lynne L. Merritt Jr., John A. Dean, and Frank A. Settle Jr. Instrumental 

Methods of Analysis. 6th edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1981. Print.

Ho, Mat H. Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry. Chichester, West Sussex, England: Ellis

Horwood, 1990. Print.

Marshall, M., and J.C. Oxley, eds. Aspects of Explosives Detection. Oxford, England: Elsevier 

B.V., 2009. Print.

Color Spot Tests:

Feigl, Fritz, and Vinzenz Anger. Spot Tests in Inorganic Analysis. 6

th edition. Amsterdam: 

Elsevier Publishing Company, 1972. Print.

Feigl, Fritz. Spot Tests in Organic Analysis. 7

th edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier Publishing 

Company, 1966. Print.

Jungreis, Ervin. Spot Test Analysis: Clinical, Environmental, Forensic, and Geochemical 

Applications. Vol. 75 Chemical Analysis: A Series of Monographs on Analytical Chemistry 

and Its Applications. New York, NY: Wiley Interscience, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1985. Print.

Polarized Light Microscopy:

Hallimond, Arthur Francis. The Polarizing Microscope. York, England: Vickers Instruments, 

Vickers Ltd., 1970. Print.

McCrone, Walter C., and John Gustav Delly. The Particle Atlas. Edition Two. Vol. I, II, III, IV. 

Ann Arbor, MI: Ann Arbor Science Publishers Inc., 1973. Print.

McCrone, Walter C., John Gustav Delly, and Samuel James Palenik. The Particle Atlas. Edition 

Two. Vol. V. Ann Arbor, MI: Ann Arbor Science Publishers Inc., 1979. Print.

McCrone, Walter C., Lucy B. McCrone, and John Gustav Delly. Polarized Light Microscopy. 

Twelfth Printing. Chicago, IL: McCrone Research Institute, 2002. Print.

Bloss, F. Donald. An Introduction to the Methods of Optical Crystallography. New York, NY: 

Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1961. Print.

McCrone, Walter C. Fusion Methods in Chemical Microscopy. New York, NY: Interscience 

Publishers, Inc., 1957. Print.
Chamot, Émile Monnin, and Clyde Walter Mason. Handbook of Chemical Microscopy. Vol. 

II: Chemical Methods and Inorganic Qualitative Analysis. 2

nd edition. John Wiley & Sons, 

New York, 1940. Republication by McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1989.

McCrone, Walter C., Jack H. Andreen, and Sien-Moo Tsang. “Identification of Organic High 

Explosives.” The Microscope41 (1993): 161-182. Print.

McCrone, Walter C., Jack H. Andreen, and Sien-Moo Tsang. “Identification of Organic High 

Explosives II.” The Microscope42.2 (1994): 61-73. Print.

McCrone, Walter C., Jack H. Andreen, and Sien-Moo Tsang. “Identification of Organic High 

Explosives III.” The Microscope47.4 (1999): 183-200. Print.

Hopen, Thomas J., and John H. Kilbourn. “Characterization and Identification of Water Soluble 

Explosives.” The Microscope33.1 (1985): 1-22. Print. 

Hopen, Thomas J., and James B. Crippin. “Methylene Blue Microchemical Test for the 

Detection and Identification of Chlorates and Perchlorates.” The Microscope49.1 (2001): 41-45. 

Print. 

Kilbourn, John H., and Walter C. McCrone. “Fusion Methods Identification of Inorganic 

Explosives.” The Microscope33.2 (1985): 73-90. Print. 

Randle, William A. “A Microchemical Test for Monomethylamine Nitrate.” The 

Microscope45.3 (1997): 85-88. Print.

Skidmore, Cary B., David S. Phillips, and Nathan B. Crane. “Microscopical Examination of 

Plastic-Bonded Explosives.” The Microscope45.4 (1997): 127-136. Print.

Huntamer, Dickey D. “Microscopical Characterization of an Emulsion Explosive.” The 

Microscope47.1 (1999): 1-4. Print.

Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman:

Cook, B. W., and K. Jones. A Programmed Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy. London,

England: Heyden & Son Ltd., 1972. Print.

Szymanski, Herman A. Interpreted Infrared Spectra. Vol. 1, 2, 3 Including a Cumulative Index. 

New York, NY: Plenum Press, 1964 - 1967. Print.

Coleman, Patricia B., ed. Practical Sampling Techniques for Infrared Analysis. Boca Raton, 

FL: CRC Press, 1993. Print.

Humecki, Howard J. Practical Guide to Infrared Microspectroscopy. New York, NY: Marcel 

Dekker, 1995. Print.
Nakamoto, Kazuo. Infrared and Raman Spectra of Inorganic and Coordination Compounds. 

New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1986. Print.

Stuart, Barbara. Infrared Spectroscopy: Fundamentals and Applications. Chichester, West 

Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004. Print.

Colthup, Norman B., Lawrence H. Daly, and Stephen E. Wiberley. Introduction to Infrared and 

Raman Spectroscopy. New York, NY: Academic Press, 1990. Print.

Smith, Brian C. Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press, 1996. Print.

Gas Chromatography:

Freeman, R. R., ed. High Resolution Gas Chromatography. 2

nd edition. S.I.: Hewlett-Packard

Company, 1981. Print.

Hinshaw, John V., and Leslie S. Ettre. Introduction to Open-tubular Column Gas 

Chromatography. Cleveland, OH: Advanstar Marketing Services, 1994. Print.

Rood, Dean. A Practical Guide to the Care, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Capillary 

Gas Chromatographic Systems. 3

rd revised edition. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH, 1999. 

Print

Willett, John, and David Kealey. Gas Chromatography. Chichester, West Sussex, England: 

Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1987. Print.

Tebbett, I., ed. Gas Chromatography in Forensic Science. Chichester, West Sussex, England:

Ellis Horwood, 1992. Print.

Mass Spectrometry:

Davis, Reg, and Martin Frearson. Mass Spectrometry. Chichester, West Sussex, London: 

Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1987. Print.

McLafferty, Fred W., and Frantisek Tureek. Interpretation of Mass Spectra. 4th edition. 

University Science Books, Mill Valley, California, 1993. Print.

Yinon, Jehuda, ed. Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 

1994. Print.

Yinon, Jehuda, ed. Advances in Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry. Boca Raton, FL: 

CRC Press, 2003. Print.
HPLC/IC/CE:

Shpigun, O., and Yu A. Zolotov. Ion Chromatography in Water Analysis. Chichester, West 

Sussex, London: Ellis Horwood, 1988. Print.

Smith, Robert E. Ion Chromatography Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1987. Print.

Snyder, Lloyd R., Joseph L. Glajch, and Joseph J. Kirkland. Practical HPLC Method 

Development. New York, NY: Wiley Interscience, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1988. Print.

Weiss, Joachim. Handbook of Ion Chromatography. Sunnyvale, CA: Dionex Corporation, 1986. 

Print.

Yost, R. W., Leslie S. Ettre, and R. D. Conlon. Practical Liquid Chromatography: An 

Introduction. Norwalk, CT: Perkin-Elmer, 1980. Print.

Petersen, John R., and Amin A. Mohammad. Clinical and Forensic Applications of Capillary 

Electrophoresis. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2001. Print.

Robards, K., Paul R. Haddad, and Peter E. Jackson. Principles and Practice of Modern 

Chromatographic Methods. London, England: Academic Press, 1994. Print.

Bogusz, Macie J., ed. Handbook of Analytical Separations. Vol. 2 Forensic Science. 

Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2000. Print.

 

XRF:

Jenkins, Ron. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. 2

nd edition. Vol 152: Chemical Analysis. 

New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999. Print.

Buhrke, Victor E., Ron Jenkins, and Deane K. Smith. A Practical Guide for the Preparation of 

Specimens for X-Ray Fluorescence and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis. New York, NY: WileyVCH, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998. Print.

Scanning Electron Microscope:

Gabriel, B. L. SEM: A User’s Manual for Materials Science. Metals Park, OH: American 

Society for Metals, 1985. Print.

Goldstein, Joseph I., Dale E. Newbury, Patrick Echlin, David C. Joy, Charles Fiori, and Eric 

Lifshin. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. New York, NY: Plenum 

Press, 1981. Print. 
Sild, E. H., and S. Pausak. “Forensic Applications of SEM/EDX.” Scanning Electron 

Microscopy2 (1979): 185-192. Print.

XRD:

Hammond, Christopher. The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction. New York, NY: 

International Union of Crystallography, Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.

Jenkins, Ron, and Robert L. Snyder. Introduction to X-ray Powder Diffractometry. New York, 

NY: Wiley Interscience, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. Print.

Pecharsky, Vitalij K., and Peter Y. Zavalij. Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural 

Characterization of Materials. 2

nd edition. New York, NY: Springer Science+Business Media, 

LLC, 2009. Print.