What Is Thermite Made Of?

Thermite typically consists of a powder of aluminum and iron oxide held together by a binder, according to Webster's Online Dictionary. When ignited, the two metals react to produce brief high-temperature bursts concentrated over a small area.

History

Hans Goldschmidt, a German chemist, produced thermite in 1893 and developed the aluminothermic process for welding. The reaction is also referred to as the Goldschmidt process, according to Questia.com.

Heat

If thermite is simply ignited as a mass, it explodes. The thermite must be ignited under controlled conditions at extremely high temperatures. Typically it is placed in a crucible for ignition, and the aluminum reacts with the iron oxide, melting the iron and forming a residue of aluminum oxide. The Goldschmidt process occurs without explosion but gives off extreme heat, reaching up to 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Melting iron this way is useful for welding large joints like rail tracks.

Advantages of Aluminum Oxide

The metal oxide in thermite is sometimes made with other metals, but since aluminum is cheap and highly reactive, melts readily and can achieve high temperatures without boiling, it is most commonly used.

References

• Webster's Online Dictionary: Thermite
• Questia: Thermite