Chemical sensing system uses fluorescent nanofibrous film

According to a statement, the key to the system is a fluorescent nanofibrous film that can detect ultra-trace levels of explosive vapours and buried explosives when applied to an area where explosives are suspected. A chemical reaction marking the location of the explosive device occurs when the film is exposed to handheld ultraviolet light.

The system can reportedly detect nitroaromatics such as those found in TNT and 2,4-DNT (the military’s primary explosive and the principal component in landmines) as well as the elements used in harder-to-detect plastic explosives such as HMX, RDX, Tetryl and PETN.

The ultra-sensitive system can detect elements at levels as low as 10 parts per billion (TNT), 74 parts per trillion (Tetryl), five parts per trillion (RDX), seven parts per trillion (PETN) and 0.1 parts per trillion (HMX) released from one billionth of a gram of explosive residue.

If there is no explosive vapour present, the recyclable film retains a bright fluorescent cyan blue colour when exposed to ultraviolet light. If explosive molecules are present, the fluorescence is quenched and a dark circle identifying the threat forms on the film within minutes.