If you are looking for high-quality products, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry, email: brad@ihpa.net
Iron 3 oxide aluminium is a chemical compound with the formula Fe2O3. It is the main constituent of rust and a key ingredient in the thermite reaction. It is found naturally as the mineral hematite. It is an insoluble compound and does not dissolve in water. It is toxic if swallowed but not particularly hazardous unless swallowed in large quantities. It has a low melting point and is a good conductor of electricity. It has the unusual property of being ferromagnetic above the Morin transition temperature and anti-ferromagnetic below it.
This demonstration generates intense heat and is a powerful pyrotechnic display. It is therefore best performed in a room with good ventilation or outdoors in a well-marked area.
A mixture of iron oxide and aluminium powder is poured into a crucible. A small amount of potassium permanganate is added to initiate the highly exothermic reduction of iron(III) oxide to iron metal. The reaction is ignited with a fuse of burning magnesium ribbon. The reaction is so rapid that it is difficult to control.
The magnesium burns to ignite the iron and rapidly reduces the iron oxide to molten iron and aluminium oxide. The heat energy released is immense and melts the crucible. The molten iron pours out of the top of the crucible and is collected in a pot. This molten iron is thermite reaction and can be seen in the video on the right. It should not be handled as it is very hot and emits a strong odor of metal.
