Applications of Rare Earth Tracers to Gunpowder Residues

The results of an experimental investigation of a gunpowder residue test based on the addition of 0.1 wt% of rare earth oxide to gunpowder is reported. A total of 512 test samples have been subjected to statistical analysis. The findings of this investigation demonstrate that the use of europium-labeled gunpowder can provide the basis for a rapid and simple instrumental gunpowder-residue test which can detect the firing of a weapon with a high degree of probability. The results of the tests with europium-labeled gunpowder are compared with the analysis of barium and antimony in primer residues. A cost analysis indicates that europium labeling of gunpowder will increase the cost of ammunition by < 2%.