Thermite

Thermites can be a diverse class of compositions. Some "fuels" that can be used include [|aluminium], [|magnesium] , [|calcium] , [|titanium] , [|zinc] , [|silicon] , and [|boron] and others. One commonly-used fuel in thermite mixtures is [|aluminium], because of its high [|boiling point]. The oxidizers can be [|boron(III) oxide], [|silicon(IV) oxide] , [|chromium(III) oxide] , [|manganese(IV) oxide] , [|iron(III) oxide] , [|iron(II,III) oxide] , [|copper(II) oxide] , and [|lead(II,III,IV) oxide] and others.
 * Thermite** is a [|pyrotechnic composition] of a [|metal powder] and a [|metal oxide] that produces an exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction known as a **thermite reaction**. If aluminium is the reducing agent it is called an [|aluminothermic reaction] . Most varieties are not explosive, but can create short bursts of extremely high temperatures focused on a very small area for a short period of time. Thermite is most often used for welding rail road tracks. The thermite is simply a mixture of metal, often called the "fuel" and an oxidizer. Its form of action is very similar to other fuel-oxidizer mixtures like [|black powder].

History
The thermite (//thermit//) reaction was discovered in 1893 and [|patented] in 1895 by [|German] [|chemist] [|Hans Goldschmidt]. [|[7]] Consequently, the reaction is sometimes called the "Goldschmidt reaction" or "Goldschmidt process". Dr. Goldschmidt was originally interested in producing very pure metals by avoiding the use of [|carbon] in [|smelting], but he soon discovered the value of thermite in [|welding]. [|[8]] The first commercial application of thermite was the welding of [|tram] tracks in [|Essen, Germany], in 1899. [|[9]]




 * Thermite reaction was discovered in 1893. An example of this reaction can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPAYZMzGMwQ.
 * Thermite also produces very high temperatures and can be very hazardous.
 * Rust is the most common iron oxide used in thermite.
 * Thermite reactions have been displayed on shows such as Mythbusters.
 * Thermite reactions have been displayed on shows such as Mythbusters.

An example of where thermite can be found in would be in explosives because it is highly exothermic. Civilians use thermite to cut through metal and it can cause explosions.

Iron vs Copper thermite: Iron thermite is more common and is more difficult to ignite.Copper thermite is less common and produces less heat thatn iron thermite but is easier to ignite.