Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (August 2002, week 5)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Fri, 30 Aug 2002 02:29:12 EDT
Reply-To:     KimBrennan@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <KimBrennan@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re:       Re: Fire Extinguisher
              s
Comments: To: mwmiller@CWNET.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"


Continuing the chemistry thread (Hey, its Friday!)


Thermite consists of iron oxide and powdered aluminum. Will burn through just
about anything.


Saw a demonstration down on the Mall (DC). Person used an aluminum tube, with
rusty steel wool. Ignited it with a propane torch, then pushed it through a
chunk (12 inches thick) of concrete. Of course a couple feet of the pipe
wasn't there anymore either...


Left a lasting impression on me!


How it works: The iron oxide provides the oxygen. Add heat, and the oxygen is
released in quantity and in proximity to the aluminum which then oxidizes
VERY rapidly, producing immense quantities of heat (1500 degrees or more..I
forget if it was F or C).
Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!

Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com

The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.