Make Thermite

Thermite is a material used in welding to melt metals together. It burns at around {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} and can melt through most metals. This article will show you how to make it.

10 Second Summary

1. Take the necessary precautions. More ↓
2. Mix the aluminum and iron oxide powder together in a 27:80 ratio by weight. ↓
3. Transfer the mixture into a strong container. ↓
4. Insert a magnesium strip. ↓
5. Light the magnesium strip. ↓

Steps

Take Safety Precautions

  1. Select your site carefully. Make sure there is nothing that can burn within four meter radius of the reaction. Check that metals with low melting points, such as lead, tin, cadmium, or zinc, aren't near your four meter radius.
  2. Wear a welding mask for complete protection, but wear sunglasses at the very least. In addition to being extremely hot, thermite emits UV radiation that can damage your eyes if not dealt with properly.
  3. Wear sturdy gloves and cover your body. As a precaution, fully clothe your body and make sure you're wearing thick gloves.

Make the Thermite

  1. Obtain finely powdered iron oxide (rust), aluminum powder, and a thin strip of magnesium. The iron oxide and aluminum will react to form thermite, while the magnesium will serve as the ignition material.
    • You can find aluminum powder in a paint store, an Etch-a-Sketch, or you can buy it on the internet.
    • If you don't want to use magnesium strips to ignite the materials, you can also use a combination of potassium permanganate and glycerin, both of which can be obtained in retail stores and online.
  2. Mix the aluminum and iron oxide powder together in a 27:80 ratio by weight. There will be a lot more iron oxide than aluminum.
    • For example, if you have 10 grams of iron oxide and 10 grams of aluminum, take 8 grams of iron oxide and 2.7 grams of aluminum powder and mix them together until fully incorporated.
  3. Pour the mixture into a strong container, such as a cast iron container or clay flower pot. Note that if you ignite the thermite, it will melt through the cast iron.
  4. Insert the magnesium strip.
  5. Light the magnesium strip and it will burn out in a few seconds. If you're using potassium permanganate and glycerin, put a fairly good size pile of potassium permanganate on the thermite, then drip glycerin onto the potassium permanganate. That is not very reliable so it's best to use a magnesium strip.

Tips

  • Don't put it on ice or anything that is under room temperature; it will cause it to explode.
  • Consider putting a mold under the thermite to catch the resulting molten iron.
  • Igniting the Magnesium fuse can be difficult, so try using a Propane torch.
  • Avoid igniting thermite on public property or on streets, sidewalks, or other thoroughfares. Burning a hole through the surface may get you in trouble, and cause trouble for others, too.
  • This should only be done on your own property and with supervision.

Warnings

  • Do not pour an extra amount of thermite on a thermite flame or on the hot reaction products.
  • Do not try to grind up the metals into powder yourself. Buy them in jars from a chemical company.
  • Use only a very strong container, and don't hold it while it burns.
  • Do not try to extinguish a thermite reaction using water. When you have selected your site carefully it is safest to let it burn. Otherwise use copious amounts of dry sand. A thermite reaction is irreversible once it starts.
  • Lighting thermite on an ice block is highly discouraged as it may cause a dangerous explosion.
  • Do not look into the flame directly, use welders glasses.
  • Use of thermite is illegal in some regions.
  • Make sure your magnesium strip is long enough for you to get out of the way in time.
  • Do not use cast iron for the ignition pit, it can burn through most metals, use ceramics instead
  • This is a dangerous activity. Thermite burns at an incredibly high temperature and may cause burns.
  • If something happens call emergency services immediately.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher (to put out secondary fires; putting out a metal fire is nearly impossible) and first aid kit handy, and wear appropriate safety gear (goggles, fireproof apron, heavy gloves).

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