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.

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.

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???

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

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?

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.