Ternary Thermites: Influence of Mixing Ratio on Thermite Reactions

Thermites are powdered mixtures of a metal and an oxide of another, more noble metal, reacting in a highly exothermic redox reaction with usually little gas development and high heat release, to produce the more noble metal previously bound in the metal oxide. The choice of metal and metal oxide significantly determines the properties of the thermite. But also mixing ratio, particle size and processing technology have a significant effect on the combustion behavior of thermites. Some mainly react in the gas phase, others in the melting. Others in turn tend to strong particle expulsion. Some are reacting extremely fast and hot, while others are slower and much colder. Each thermite reaction has specific properties that determine a possible application.