Scientists Develop Sensor To Detect Chemicals Used In High-energy Explosives - Coronavirus Updates

Indian scientists have for the first time developed a thermally stable and cost-effective electronic polymer-based sensor for rapidly detecting nitro-aromatic chemicals used in high-energy explosives, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said on Friday. The detection of explosives without destroying them is essential for protection, and criminal investigations, minefield remediation, military applications, ammunition remediation sites, security applications, and chemical sensors play a vital role in such cases, it said. Explosive poly-nitroaromatic compounds can be analysed usually by sophisticated instrumental techniques. But the requirements for quick decision making in criminology laboratories or reclaimed military sites or to detect explosives in possession of extremists often require simple, cheap, and selective field techniques, which will be non-destructive in nature, the DST said. Non-destructive sensing of nitroaromatic chemicals (NACs) is difficult, it said. While earlier studies are based mostly on photo-luminescent property, detection on the basis of conducting property has not been explored so far, it said. Detection on the basis of conducting property helps in making a handy detection device where results can be seen with the help of LED, the department said.

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