Thermitic Thermodynamics

Book excerpt: Thermites, which are generally considered to be reactive mixtures of powdered metals and metal oxides, are an important subset of energetic materials. The underlying thermodynamic properties of a given mixture dictate whether it may undergo a self-sustaining reaction, liberating heat in the process. Thermodynamic information in the existing scientific literature regarding thermitic combinations is scattered and incomplete. Currently, a comprehensive overview of this nature would be of great use to those working in the areas of pyrotechnics, pyrometallurgy, high-temperature chemistry, and materials science. Thermitic Thermodynamics solves this problem by describing the results of calculations on over 800 combinations of metal, metalloid, and metal oxide reactants. Other features include: A first-of-its-kind adiabatic survey of binary thermitic reactions Provides an overview of key trends in exothermic metal-metal oxide reactivity Describes the role of non-oxide product formation in thermitic systems Explains how to interpret the results of thermochemical calculations effectively An invaluable resource, this book provides an accessible introduction for students and is also an enduring guide for professionals.