Thermite reaction

A good example of the thermite reaction.

In this case I used 1.5 kg of iron (III) oxide and 0.5 kg of aluminum powder. There are a number of ways to ignite the reaction, but I have discovered that the best way is to melt some potassium chlorate on the surface of the thermite mixture and add a few gummi bears.

Towards the end, I almost got hit with the splattering molten iron. I was too close.

This is a dangerous reaction that should only be performed under controlled conditions by people who know what they are doing.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• thermite
• iron
• aluminum
• chemistry

[fly2000jtb]

what did you say the gummy bear do? help it fire up because it is sugar? very cool video too Joseph T fly2000jtb

[Chemgeek10]

@fly2000jtb The gummy bears are mostly sugar (a good fuel), When the potassium chlorate oxidizes this fuel it produces enough heat to ignite the thermite. The thermite ignition can be tricky sometimes.

[fly2000jtb]

@Chemgeek10 how hot does the potassium need to be before you add the gummies? also if you heated the clay pot before you light it would the thermite flow through the hole at the bottom without breaking the pot? would not be as cool but you could save the pure iron you just made for a iron project etc.. Thanks for the info too Joseph T fly2000jtb

[Chemgeek10]

@fly2000jtb The potassium chlorate needs to be molten. Propane torch treatment. Heating the pot first probably wouldn't keep it in one piece. Just too much heat. The iron that forms is not pure. It is contaminated with all sort of things but primarily aluminum oxide.

[U23Drocks]

Taco bell Diarrea XD

[PeriodicElements]

If you want that river of molten iron, use black iron oxide instead...

[streaker515]

Nathan just go to the anarchist cookbook

[nathan1233521]

im planning to make an arsenal of granades (smoke and explosive) and thermite bombs... what is my best way to make thermite? please email me on this matter

[fly2000jtb]

@Chemgeek10 potassium permanganate and glycrine do just about the same thing wothout the tourch have you all tryed that yet? we got ours at ace hardware 1.5 pounds 15.00 not bad and the glycrine from the phamacy guy drug store. would it work as well because it gets hot real hot? Joseph T fly2000jtb

[fly2000jtb]

@fly2000jtb Very cool, so you could do the same thing with potassium permangante and glycrine? very cool Thanks for the very fast email/ response Joseph T fly2000jtb

[laserindie]

iron fart

1:59