The Development of an Optimized System of Narcotic and Explosive Contraband Mimics for Calibration and Training of Biological Detectors

Improved Dynamic Headspace Sampling and Detection using Capillary Microextraction of Volatiles Coupled to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

“…The detection may be caused by the direct transfer of small particles onto the CMV device. Other than diacetylmorphine, butylated hydroxytoluene was also detected in the headspace which was reported once previously [101]. The chromatogram was shown in Figure 9-21 and the volatile compounds were listed in Table 9-11.…”

“…Headspace studies using SPME-GC-MS study showed detection of propyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, 4-methyl-phenyl ester acetic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene and salicylic acid in the headspace of heroin and pseudo heroin samples (Table 9-5) [101]; yet, the detection is not confident because the signature compounds weren't consistent between samples. …”

Advances in the use of odour as forensic evidence through optimizing and standardizing instruments and canines

“…A technology, known as Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems (COMPS) contains the active odourant stored within a permeable, polymer bag allowing for the active odour to permeate at a controlled rate, making the delivery system more reliable and reproducible than traditional training aids [34,35]. Additionally, COMPS is field rugged and can be used repeatedly with minimal degradation, eliminating the restrictions and liability issues associated with using real, controlled canine training aids.…”

The Creation and Evaluation of Novel Canine Training Aids for Cocaine Using Molecularly Encapsulated Sol-Gel Polymers and an Investigation of Canine Field Accuracy

“…56,57 While COMPS have proven to be effective in the field for a variety of narcotics and explosives, they do suffer from a few drawbacks. For one, the dissipation rate from the polymer bags is determined by polymer bag availability.…”

“…57 The thickness of the polymer bags directly controls the dissipation rate. 56 The goal of this portion of the project was to use the polymer, Low Density PolyEthylene (LDPE) bags, commonly used with the production of COMPS, to further manipulate the dissipation rate of the sol-gel training aids. Moreover, a downside of COMPS, as well any many other permeation devices, is that temperature changes can change the rate of dissipation, as odors tend to dissipate at a faster rate at higher temperatures.…”