What is Thermite: Definition and 11 Discussions

Thermite () is a pyrotechnic composition of metal powder and metal oxide. When ignited by heat or chemical reaction, thermite undergoes an exothermic reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction. Most varieties are not explosive, but can create brief bursts of heat and high temperature in a small area. Its form of action is similar to that of other fuel-oxidizer mixtures, such as black powder.
Thermites have diverse compositions. Fuels include aluminium, magnesium, titanium, zinc, silicon, and boron. Aluminium is common because of its high boiling point and low cost. Oxidizers include bismuth(III) oxide, boron(III) oxide, silicon(IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, manganese(IV) oxide, iron(III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, copper(II) oxide, and lead(II,IV) oxide.The reaction, also called the Goldschmidt process, is used for thermite welding, often used to join railway tracks. Thermites have also been used in metal refining, disabling munitions, and in incendiary weapons. Some thermite-like mixtures are used as pyrotechnic initiators in fireworks.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. S

    Producing other metals with thermite reactions

    Hello all, I am curious as to whether it is possible to create aluminium from a thermite reaction. Thermite, as standard, uses aluminium and iron oxide, which react together when burnt to create a blob of molten iron. I would like to achieve a similar result, but with a blob of molten...
  2. Aafia

    Can Diamond be melted in thermite reaction?

    My books says Thermite reaction is an exothermic reaction, it release large amount of heat so that temperature increases upto 3500°C On the other hand it is written Melting point of diamond is 3500°C So my question is whether diamond can by melted in such reaction?
  3. Rickswan

    Realistic demon physiology and weapons against them

    This thread is also my introduction to the forum, so hello. So the basic setup of my story is the hordes of hell invade New York City. I'm agnostic, so it's more "beings from another dimension enter ours" than a religious thing - it's like the DOOM game series. Let's say that a certain amount...
  4. B

    Thermite reaction on stove top?

    Gas stove with 16000 btu output and cast iron grate (non coated)---using an old aluminum pot (non anodized, etc). The grate has changed from black (no apparent rust) to a light gray color. Was there some type of low grade thermite reaction here?? Any comments or thoughts on this? Thanx
  5. E

    Does anyone know how to make rust from steel plates

    I want to make some iron oxide from plate steel i have a couple hundred pounds that I can process but want to make about 50 pounds id prefer to just do it by electrolysis. Do to safety issues I would prefer to process it in 2 pound batches in a polyurethane tub. I would also like to save the...
  6. L

    Iron(II) oxide vs iron(III) oxide in a thermite reaction

    hey guys i am wondering what the difference between using Fe2O3 or FeO would be in a thermite reaction to produce aluminium oxide. wouldn't the FeO produce a more energy since its enthalpy of formation is lower? thanks for your answers!
  7. G

    Exploring the Mechanics of Thermite Reactions

    I have three questions about thermite. 1. Is hydrogen released when thermite is placed in water or is it just steam? 2. How can I separate the aluminum oxide from the iron after the reaction? 3. Can the aluminum oxide be split apart into oxygen and aluminum?Any knowledge would be greatly...
  8. G

    Creating plasma using thermite?

    Could thermite be used to bring certain types of matter to a plasma state? If so what materials would be easiest to render into a plasma? Inspired by the german experimental shockwave cannon from WWII... I got to wondering. If a 3 layered charge were used in such a weapon, one layer a...
  9. W

    Activation energy of Silicon Dioxide thermite reaction?

    I am not asking how to make this reaction. Please do not lock this thread just because it happens to contain the word "thermite". I am simply asking for information about this process for research involving silica. The Goldshmidt process between silicon dioxide and aluminum is expressed by...
  10. E

    What is the Chemical Composition of Thermite?

    I am trying to find the chemical composition for basic, college chemistry lab quality thermite. I saw that it was a white/grey powder substance. Trying to figure out what the exact chemical composition might be. :)
  11. C

    Solving Thermite Reaction: 1 Mole Al + 10.0g Fe2O3

    Please Help! I am still having problems with this problem... It deals with the thermite reaction Fe_{2}O_{3}+2Al----2Fe+Al_{2}O_{3} If 1 mole of Al is reacted with 10.0g of Fe_{2}O_{3}, how many grams of unreacted Al would remain?
Back
Top