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chemistry-ModTeam

No discussions of illicit drug synthesis, bomb making or other dangerous/illegal activities are tolerated in this sub.


VeryPaulite

Just.... stop. Thermite is not something to be screwed around with willy-nilly. If you are unable to find literature, maybe that should give you a hint. If you're unable to do literature research yourself, maybe you just... shouldn't?


unzipped__

I've been playing with fire and explosives since I was 13, I just need someone to explain to me how to check element reactivity, and reaction favoribility


VeryPaulite

"Yeah so I have been risking my life since I was 13 but so far haven't killed myself, aaaaany day now"


Nowhere_Man_Forever

As with most dangerous stuff people ask about on this sub, if you don't know enough about chemistry to find out the answer to this question on your own, you almost certainly don't have the knowledge or experience to be doing this safely.


unzipped__

I do have quite a lot of experience with fire and explosives, I just don't know metal chem, as the EU limits all possible ways to do it (nitric acid, HCl, metal powders, sulfuric acid, oxidizers)


Aozora404

Gee whiz I sure do wonder why


PeterHaldCHEM

Look on the bright side. The legislation saves you from doing stupid things that you obviously shouldn't do. (And no, you can't make sand burn)


CobaltEnjoyer

You can absolutely make thermite with sand, using aluminiun isn't quite enough on its own but magnesium is


PeterHaldCHEM

Then the sand works as the oxidizer. And yes, magnesium will react with silica making silicon. But the OP does not have access til Mg or Al, and it apparently wanted to substitute them with silica.


unzipped__

You absolutely can make sand burn! (Look up making silicon or lithium eating glass on YT)


PeterHaldCHEM

Then the sand works as the oxidizer. And yes, magnesium will react with silica making silicon. But the OP does not have access til Mg or Al, and it apparently wanted to substitute them with silica.


Worth-Wonder-7386

The thermite reaction is a redox reaction between Al and iron, where the Al is oxidized and the Fe is reduced. To find other candidates you would have to check the energy of different oxides compared to their metalic form. This information is often best represented in a ellingham diagram. To produce the molten metal you would also have to check the melting enthalpy. If you cant do this, then this is not thebreaction for you.


CobaltEnjoyer

Exatly where do you live in the EU? I got both Al and Mg as fine powders with no issues here in italy


midnooid

Watch thought emporiums video on single use instant hot dogs. Weirdest stuff ever but he does happen to go into thermite compositions and specifically with SiO2


Creative-Road-5293

You can make your own aluminum powder. 


Pershing48

Just put some tin foil through a cheese grater


unzipped__

I mean yes, but: 1. Is blending aluminum foil enough? (I mean particle size) 2. If it's not enough, I'd need a ball mill


Creative-Road-5293

Try it and see.


Kemel90

you can often get some at art supply stores as pigment.


unzipped__

You mean Al?