Friday, November 15, 2019

pyrotechnics - Best ways to start a thermite reaction?


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. My understanding is that I need a temperature of around 3200F to start it. I am currently aware of two methods to achieve that:



  1. Potassium permanganate and glycerin. But apparently this requires an ambient temperature of >70F, and it's winter where I live, 40F at most some days.


  2. Magnesium strip. But this requires a blowtorch (trying to avoid buying a blowtorch) and I've read is unreliable for starting this reaction.


Does anyone have any alternative suggestions? Has anyone done this before? All suggestions are welcome.


I am aware of the need to do it far from anything flammable/destructible, and am aware it can damage your eyes, and am aware to keep it away from water and keep my distance. Other tips are welcome.




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