What is PETN ???

PETN explosive found recently in Uttar Pradesh Assembly. It looks like white powder. Is it Powdered Sugar..?? What it is Actually..?? 

Recently Found :-
A unclaimed packet was found under the seat of Samajwadi Party MLA Mano Pandey inside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The packet contained about 150 gram of white powder inside. Forensic tests revealed that the white substance that looker like powdered sugar was PETN, a plastic explosive.

PETN - (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate)

One of the most dangerous plastic explosive. The substance is available in black market, and belongs to the same family as nitroglycerin. It is preferred by militant groups because it cannot be easily detected owing to its colourless crystals. Generally, explosive detectors use metal detectors, but PETN can be kept hidden in a sealed container or an electrical equipment and thus can easily surpass security checks.
The substance is legally used by the military and in mining industries where it is used in detonators for detonating cords and mines. PETN can be mixed with other chemicals to form Semtex. Many countries have restriction on the purchase of PETN.

How does it operate ?
PETN does not go on its own. The explosive needs a secondary detonating mechanism to produce heat or a shockwave, which can detonate the explosive.

First Used :-

In 1983, Carlos the Jackal used PETN device in 1983 for the attack in Maison-de-France, the French cultural center in Berlin.

How can PETN be detected ?
Some airport security officials are employing addition security check methods that “sniffs” passengers, according to a report by The Guardian. The report says that some airports also analyses swabs of clothing and personal belongings of passengers, in order to trace the small residue of explosives on a person who has handled the substance. But the method does not guarantee a person carrying PETN will be detected, the report says.

One detection system in use at airports involves analysis of swab samples obtained from passengers and their baggage. Whole-body imaging scanners that use radio-frequency electromagnetic waves, low-intensity X-rays, or T-rays of terahertz frequency that can detect objects hidden under clothing are not widely used because of cost, concerns about the resulting traveler delays, and privacy concerns.

Positive Use :-

You will be shocked to know that this Plastic Explosive has a Positive use. This Explosive has Medical use..!!! Yes, you read it correctly. It can be used in medical science.

Like nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) and other nitrates, PETN is also used medically as a vasodilator in the treatment of heart conditions. These drugs work by releasing the signaling gas nitric oxide in the body. The heart medicine Lentonitrat is nearly pure PETN.