The best thermite?

[Gilded]

Since there are too many false thermite making instructions on the web (and because I'd like to have a faster way to make a hole through a pine table than sulfuric or permanganic acid ), perhaps it's time to discuss some thermites.

 

This is a formula I found:

 

Lighting mix (for the heat to ignite the thermite):

5 parts | Potassium nitrate

3 parts | Powdered aluminum

2 parts | Sulfur

 

Thermite:

70% Fe3O4 (Fe2O3 will work too?)

23% Powdered aluminum

7% Sulfur

(The Fe3O4 and aluminum are heated in an oven to about 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and then mixed with sulfur)

 

I have my suspicions of this formula actually working (I haven't tried it), but who knows.

 

Feel free to post your favorite thermite formula.

[budullewraagh]

another good idea for the heat would be a magnesium ribbon fuse. if you want lower activation energy, use lead monoxide and aluminum, although it doesn't look nearly as good.

[YT2095]

Copper Oxide and Alu (it`s explosive too). red lead oxide and Mg is also explosive AKA "Dragon Eggs" used in crackling fireworks, the balls are only the size of a pin head too

 

 

why would you need to add sulpher to it though???

[budullewraagh]

i think the sulfur is to be used for heat with the nitrate

[Gilded]

It seems that the most common thermite is actually just basic rust (if Fe2O3 is "basic" rust) + aluminum powder (it needs a lot of heat, though).

 

2Al + Fe2O3 -> Al2O3 + 2Fe

 

But what about the Fe3O4-version I mentioned? Is it 2Al + Fe3O4 -> Al2O4 + 2Fe? And does the Fe3O4 alternative produce more heat?

[budullewraagh]

your equation is essentially correct, but every here and there there will be a few odd aluminum oxides. i did the heat calcs and i think the Fe2O3 would be produce more heat.