Increasing Marking Agent Concentration in Flexible Sheet Explosives

Marking agents are chemicals added to plastic explosives to make them more detectable. This project compared the manufacturing process, explosive performance characteristics, and operational use of flexible sheet explosives containing either no marking agent, the current concentration, or an increased marking agent concentration. Testing in both a military and civilian application found no significant differences in performance between the three versions of flexible sheet explosives. Handling and manufacturability of the explosives were acceptable in all cases. The report recommends further study of workplace exposures to the marking agent during manufacturing. Results were presented to the International Civil Aviation Organization in September 2004. Requests for additional information should be sent to edsubgroup@tswg.gov.