Can you light thermite with a match

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I'm trying to do a thermite reaction with rust and aluminum and am trying to figure out the optimal way to get the reaction started. I am currently aware of two methods to achieve that:. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? Has anyone done this before? All suggestions are welcome. Other tips are welcome.

The mixture of powdered aluminium, iron oxide, and magnesium is thoroughly mixed and then lit using the propane torch. It lights all the time with the magnesium embers burning brightly and then the main reaction takes hold. Getting powdered magnesium is cheap as well.

Using this method, the reaction takes all the time and I haven't had a single problem with it the numerous times I've done it for an audience. These are essentially flash powders mixed with a binder to slow their burn rate. I have tested those and found them to work reliably as well.

Ben Davis February 26, What is thermite reaction give an example? What do you mean by thermite? At what temperature does thermite ignite? Can you ignite thermite with electricity? What metal can burn underwater? Can gunpowder ignite thermite? How do you activate thermite? Can you light thermite with a lighter? Can thermite burn through concrete? Can thermite burn through ceramic? Probably not. The above project is aimed at adults for education and entertainment purposes only, not to replicate.

Anyone doing so takes full responsibility for their own actions. Home About. Use care!! Never use water or glass in any combination to catch the molten thermite. Be sure there is a depression in the sand for capturing the molten metal. Make sure that the molten iron will fall into the sand and not hit the sides of the bucket. Do not make the reaction too big!! The reaction is very exothermic!