US20250320171A1

US20250320171A1 - Exploding thermite compositions and methods

Info

Publication number: US20250320171A1
Application number: US19/052,210
Authority: US
Inventors: Troy A. Gardner
Original assignee: Safety Management Services Inc
Current assignee: Safety Management Services Inc
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2025-02-12
Publication date: 2025-10-16
Also published as: WO2025217426A1

Abstract

Exploding thermite compositions and methods. A composition may comprise a metal powder and a metal oxide powder. The composition may produce an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation. A method for producing a thermite composition may comprise providing one or more metal oxide powders and providing one or more metal powders. The method may also include homogenously combining the one or more metal oxide powders with the one or more metal powders to form the thermite composition. The resulting thermite composition may produce an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/633,577, filed Apr. 12, 2024, titled “EXPLODING THERMITE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional patent application is inconsistent with this application, this application supersedes the above-referenced provisional patent application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This disclosure was made with government support under Contract 693JK320C000005—Default Classification of Explosives (Thermite), Project No. PH957-20-0072, awarded by PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SA, Acquisition Services Division. The government has certain rights in the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to compositions including metals and metal oxides and more particularly to explosive thermite compositions.

BACKGROUND

Explosives have a wide range of civilian, military, and industrial applications. Explosives may be utilized in military and defense applications as a component in numerous types of weapons. Explosives may be an important component of mining and quarrying operations, and may be utilized for rock blasting, controlled demolition, tunneling, and so forth. Some types of explosives are efficient and cost-effective for performing demolition and construction, including building demolition, bridge removal, road excavation, tunnel excavation, and so forth. Explosives may be utilized in the oil and gas industries for well perforation and fracking. Explosives may be utilized for solid rocket propellants and ejection charges to missiles, vehicles, and parachutes. Explosives may additionally be utilized in fireworks and pyrotechnics for entertainment, military applications, and signaling applications.
Traditional explosives are associated with numerous inefficiencies, drawbacks, and safety risks. Many traditional explosives are sensitive to shock, heat, and friction, and this makes them dangerous to transport and manage. Additionally, over time, traditional explosives may undergo chemical degradation that makes the explosive sensitive or ineffective. Further, moisture absorption can negatively impact the effectiveness of some types of explosives. Several classes of traditional explosives must be stored in temperature-controlled environments to prevent degradation or accidental detonation.
What is needed are improved compositions and methods for explosives with improved shelf stability and safety during manufacture, storage, and transport. In view of the foregoing, described herein are systems, compositions, and methods for explosive thermites. The systems, compositions, and methods described herein provide explosives with improved shelf stability, efficiency, and safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive implementations of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Advantages of the disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a method for preparing and igniting an explosive thermite composition the produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a method of preparing a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a method of preparing a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a method of preparing a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a method of preparing a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a method of preparing a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system for igniting a thermite composition; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a method for preparing a homogenous combination for a thermite composition that produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reactive thermites. Specifically described herein are thermite compositions including specific combinations of metal and metal oxide powders to produce an explosive. The explosive thermite compositions described herein may activated when the metal and metal oxide powders are in an unconsolidated loose powder form, and they may be prepared and stored with or without additional additives. The compositions and methods described herein may be utilized for propellants, pyrotechnics, explosives, initiation trains, cutting torches, tools, devices, and so forth.
Thermites are compositions including a metal powder and a metal oxide. When ignited, thermite compositions may undergo highly exothermic redox reactions, which may produce extreme heat and molten metal. Thermite compositions may burn at temperatures exceeding 2,500° C. and may be utilized for welding, metal cutting, and military applications. Thermites produce much higher levels of thermal flux than traditional explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. Additionally, thermites produce molten metal that may melt or cut through containment and cause combustion of most organic materials.
Because thermites are highly reactive and may burn at exceedingly high temperatures, thermite compositions are traditionally not used as explosives for propellants, pyrotechnics, explosives, initiation trains, cutting torches, tools, devices, and so forth. However, the thermite compositions described herein may be ignited to produce an explosive reaction at lower temperature and may thus be utilized as an explosive in various implementations.
Described herein are specific compositions of thermites that exhibit an explosion hazard upon thermite reaction activation. The thermite compositions described herein exhibit long-term chemical stability and thus exhibit a longer shelf-life than traditional explosive compositions. The thermite compositions described herein exhibit improved thermal stability and resistance to decomposition at temperatures that are known to decompose and destroy traditional organic explosive compositions. The thermite compositions described herein exhibit electrical conductivity. The thermite compositions described herein exhibit insensitivity to various stimuli that are known to degrade traditional explosives, and specifically exhibit insensitivity to impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, heat, flame, and shock. The thermite compositions described herein exhibit elevated reaction rates and low explosive power (i.e., reduced fragmentation potential), and additionally exhibit survivability and usability after exposure to extreme environments. The thermite compositions described herein may be stored as an unconsolidated powder in loose form, in a pressed pellet form, in a housing, or in a casing. The thermite compositions described herein may be prepared with or without one or more additives, which may be utilized to control or moderate the rate of reaction of the thermite composition for various applications.
In the following description of the disclosure, reference is made to various tables, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe those embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure made herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.
Before the present systems, compositions, and methods for thermites with an explosion hazard are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
In describing and claiming the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.
As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed disclosure.
As used herein, the phrase “thermite reaction” refers to a reaction wherein the unoxidized metal reactant is oxidized to a metal oxide product and the metal oxide reactant is reduced to an unoxidized metal product, releasing energy/heat.
Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a method 100 for preparing an explosive thermite composition and igniting an explosive redox reaction.
The method 100 includes preparing a thermite composition 110 that includes a metal oxide powder 102 and a metal powder 104. The thermite composition 110 may optionally additionally include an additive 106. The components of the thermite composition 110, including the metal oxide powder 102, the metal powder 104, and the optional additive 106, may form a homogenous combination 108. The method 100 includes ignition 112 of the thermite composition 110 to output an explosive redox reaction 114.
The metal oxide powder 102 is a compound formed when a metal reacts with oxygen. The metal oxide powder 102 may include a metal oxide that will readily undergo a reduction with aluminum or another reducing agent. The metal oxide powder 102 may include one or more of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), black iron oxide (Fe₃O₄, also known as iron (II,III) oxide), cupric oxide (CuO), bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), chromium trioxide (CrO₃), iron (II,III) oxide (Fe₃O₄), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), nickel (II) oxide (NiO), tin (IV) oxide (SnO₂), cuprous oxide (CuO), iron (III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₃), manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), boron trioxide (B₂O₃), or silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
The metal oxide powder 102 may comprise a fine powder having a particle size from about one μm to about 5 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal oxide powder 102 may comprise a moderately sized powder comprising a particle size from about 50 μm to about 70 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal oxide powder 102 may comprise a coarse powder comprising a particle size from about 150 μm to about 200 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal oxide powder 102 may comprise nanoparticles comprising a particle size less than one μm. The metal oxide powder 102 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about 200 μm in various implementations.
The metal powder 104 is a reactive metal that may serve as a reducing agent in the explosive redox reaction 114. The metal powder 104 may include one or more of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zirconium (Zr), or titanium (Ti). The metal powder 104 may include magnalium, which includes a combination of magnesium and aluminum. The magnalium may include a 50/50 ratio of magnesium and aluminum within a tolerance threshold of 15 percent. The metal powder 104 may include a combination of magnesium and aluminum in varying ratios. The metal powder 104 may include a combination of magnesium, aluminum, and titanium.
The metal powder 104 may comprise a fine powder having a particle size from about one μm to about 5 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal powder 104 may comprise a moderately sized powder comprising a particle size from about 50 μm to about 70 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal powder 104 may comprise a coarse powder comprising a particle size from about 150 μm to about 200 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The metal powder 104 may comprise nanoparticles comprising a particle size less than one μm. The metal powder 104 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about 200 μm in various implementations.
The thermite composition 108 may be prepared with or without the additive 106. The additive 106 may be included to control properties of the thermite composition 110, including reaction rate, burn temperature, ignition temperature, efficiency and so forth. The additive 106 may enhance or decrease the heat output by the explosive redox reaction 114. The additive 106 may aid in stabilizing the thermite composition 110 or adjusting a temperature for the ignition 112 of the explosive redox reaction 114. The additive 106 may include one or more of an oxidizer, a stabilizer, a catalyst, a fuel additive, a reducing agent, a control agent, a binder, a polymer, a nitrate, a chlorate, a perchlorate, an oxide, a peroxide, a superoxide, a metal, or a metal alloy.
The additive 106 may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®), which is an ingredient utilized in pyrotechnics and flares. The additive 106 may include molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), which is a metal oxide utilized in thermite mixtures. The additive 106 may include sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), which is a weak nitrate that is slower acting than other nitrates like potassium nitrate or barium nitrate. The additive 106 may include calcium peroxide (CaO₂), which is an oxidizer utilized in pyrotechnic mixtures.
The additive 106 may include an oxidizer to increase the amount of oxygen available in the explosive redox reaction 114 and enhance the ability of the thermite composition 110 to burn at higher temperatures or with more energy. The additive 106 may include one or more of copper (II) oxide (CuO), chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₂), or manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂). The additive 106 may include a catalyst to speed up the explosive redox reaction 114 without being consumed. The additive 106 may include one or more of iron (Fe) or magnesium (Mg). The additive 106 may include a reducing agent to lower the activation energy of the explosive redox reaction 114. The additive 106 may include one or more of zinc (Zn) or aluminum (Al).
The additive 106 may include a stabilizer to prevent excessive reactivity or to ensure a controlled burn during the explosive redox reaction 114. The additive 106 may include one or more of silica (SiO₂) or boron (B₂O₃). The additive 106 may include a control agent to adjust the reaction speed of the explosive redox reaction 114. The additive 106 may include one or more of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
The additive 106 may comprise a fine powder having a particle size from about one μm to about 5 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The additive 106 may comprise a moderately sized powder comprising a particle size from about 50 μm to about 70 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The additive 106 may comprise a coarse powder comprising a particle size from about 150 μm to about 200 μm, within a size tolerance of 15%. The additive 106 may comprise nanoparticles comprising a particle size less than one μm. The additive 106 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about 200 μm in various implementations.
Each of the metal oxide powder 102, the metal powder 104, and the additive 106 may be provided in a powder form. In some cases, the additive 106 is not provided in a powder form. The metal oxide powder 102 and the metal powder 104 may be provided in a powder comprising a variety of particle sizes. The metal oxide powder 102 and the metal powder 104 may comprise particle sizes from about one μm to about five μm.
The metal oxide powder 102, the metal powder 104, and the optional additive 106 are combined to form a homogenous combination 108. The components 102, 104, 106 may be homogenously combined utilizing any suitable method. In some cases, the homogenous combination 108 is prepared according to the method 800 described in connection with FIG. 8 . In some cases, the homogenous combination 108 is prepared by mixing the components 102, 104, 106 in an electrically conductive container that is tumbled end-over-end. In some cases, the homogenous combination 108 is prepared by utilizing a whisk shaker ball to encourage breakup of powder agglomerates. In some cases, the homogenous combination 108 is prepared utilizing a stirring mixer or blender.
The metal oxide powder 102, metal powder 104, and optional additive 106 may be combined by utilizing a mixer comprising an electrically conductive plastic container. The components 102, 104, 106 are disposed within the electrically conductive plastic container such that the electrically conductive plastic container is up to 50% full by volume, or up to about 70% full by volume. The electrically conductive plastic container may be remotely tumbled end-over-end every three to four second (i.e., fifteen rotations per minute) for up to 15-50 minutes. The electrically conductive plastic container may comprise a whisk shaker ball disposed therein to encourage breakup of powder agglomerates during mixing. This method may achieve a homogeneous mixture without significantly reducing the initial particle sizes of the metal oxide powder 102, the metal powder 104, or the optional additive 106.
The thermite composition 110 may include loose powders that are unconsolidated. The thermite composition 110 may be pressed or consolidated to control or moderate the rate of the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 110 may comprise a rise time ranging from about 0.2 milliseconds to about 5 milliseconds, within a time tolerance of 15%. The thermite composition 110 may produce an explosion hazard upon thermite reaction activation with a slow deflagration having a rise time of about 30 milliseconds or more.
The ignition 112 includes achieving a sufficiently high temperature to overcome the activation energy required to initiate the explosive redox reaction 114. The ignition 112 may include applying an external heat source capable of rapidly reaching a sufficiently high temperature. Thermites are typically difficult to ignite because most traditional thermite compositions have a high activation temperature that may be in excess of 2,500° C.
The ignition 112 may include utilization of one or more of a magnesium ribbon, a ferrocerium, an electrical ignition, a sparkler fuse, an electrical heating element, pyrogen igniter, a flame-producing igniter, a chemical reaction. The ignition 112 may additionally or alternatively include a stimuli such as impact, friction, electrostatic energy discharge. The ignition 112 may include utilization of a black powder bag igniter. The ignition 112 may generate a temperature from about 1000° C. to about 1500° C. The ignition 112 may generate a temperature of about 1200° C.
Without additives 106, the thermite composition 110 may require an ignition or heating temperatures greater than or equal to 400° C. to activate the explosive redox reaction 114. Once activated, the explosive redox reaction 114 is self-sustaining and may rapidly output heat in excess of 1000° C.
The explosive redox reaction 114 is an oxidation-reduction reaction where a first component is reduced (i.e., gains electrons) and another component is oxidized (i.e., loses electrons). In the explosive redox reaction 114, the metal oxide powder 102 acts as the oxidizing agent and the metal powder 104 acts as the reducing agent.
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a method 200 of preparing a thermite composition 210. The method 200 includes preparing a homogenous combination comprising ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) 202 and magnalium (MgAl) 204, which comprises a 50/50 combination of magnesium and aluminum within a ratio tolerance of about 10%. The thermite composition 210 may optionally include an additive 106. The thermite composition 210 exhibits unexpectedly good results as an explosive to generate the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204. The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 25 wt. % to about 90 wt. % the ferric oxide 202. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The ferric oxide 202 may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The thermite composition 210 may comprise a fine, red powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204. The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % the ferric oxide 202. The thermite composition 210 may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®) powder as the additive 106. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The ferric oxide 202 may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The thermite composition 210 may comprise a fine, red powder when formed in a homogenous combination. The PTFE additive 106 may comprise a particle size from about six μm to about nine μm. The thermite composition 210 may comprise a fine, red powder when formed in the homogenous combination.
The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204. The thermite composition 210 may comprise from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % the ferric oxide 202. The thermite composition 210 may comprise sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) powder as the additive 106. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The ferric oxide may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The thermite composition 210 may comprise a fine, red powder when formed in a homogenous combination. The sodium nitrate additive 106 may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size less than 50 μm. The thermite composition 210 may comprise a fine, red powder when formed in the homogenous combination.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a method 300 of preparing a thermite composition 310. The method 300 includes preparing a homogenous combination comprising cupric oxide (CuO) 302 and magnalium (MgAl) 204, which comprises a 50/50 combination of magnesium and aluminum within a ratio tolerance of about 10%. The thermite composition 310 may optionally include an additive 106. The thermite composition 310 exhibits unexpectedly good results as an explosive to generate the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 310 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204 and from about 25 wt. % to about 90 wt. % the cupric oxide 302. The thermite composition 310 may include from about 2 wt. % to about 40 wt. % polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®) powder as the additive 106. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The cupric oxide 302 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The PTFE additive 106 may comprise a particle size from about six μm to about nine μm. The thermite composition 310 may comprise a fine, dark gray powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
The thermite composition 310 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204 and from about 25 wt. % to about 90 wt. % the cupric oxide 302. The thermite composition 310 may include from about 2 wt. % to about 40 wt. % sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) powder as the additive 106. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The cupric oxide 302 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The sodium nitrate additive 106 may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and may comprise a particle size less than 50 μm. The thermite composition 310 may comprise a fine, dark gray powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
The thermite composition 310 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204 and from about 25 wt. % to about 90 wt. % the cupric oxide 302. The thermite composition 310 may include from about 2 wt. % to about 40 wt. % calcium peroxide (CaO₂) as the additive 106. The magnalium 204 may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The cupric oxide 302 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and may comprise a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The calcium peroxide additive 106 may comprise a purity in excess of 80% and may comprise a particle size less than 50 μm. The thermite composition 310 may comprise a fine, dark gray powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a method 400 of preparing a thermite composition 410. The method 400 includes preparing a homogenous combination comprising bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃) 402 and aluminum (Al) 404. The thermite composition 410 may optionally include an additive 106. The thermite composition 410 exhibits unexpectedly good results as an explosive to generate the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 410 may comprise from about 2 wt. % to about 40 wt. % the aluminum 404. The thermite composition 410 may comprise from about 15 wt. % to about 95 wt. % the bismuth trioxide 402. The aluminum 404 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The thermite composition 410 may comprise a fine, off-white powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a method 500 of preparing a thermite composition 110. The method 500 includes preparing a homogenous combination comprising bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃) 402 and titanium (Ti) 504. The thermite composition 110 may optionally include an additive 106. The thermite composition 510 exhibits unexpectedly good results as an explosive to generate the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 510 may comprise from about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt. % the titanium 504. The thermite composition 510 may comprise from about 20 wt. % to about 95 wt. % the bismuth trioxide 402. The titanium 504 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and a particle size less than 20 μm. The bismuth trioxide 402 may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The thermite composition 510 may comprise a fine, light-yellow powder when formed in a homogenous combination.
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a method 600 of preparing a thermite composition 110. The method 600 includes preparing a homogenous combination comprising cupric oxide (CuO) 602 a, molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) 602 b, and magnalium (MgAl) 204, which comprises a 50/50 combination of magnesium and aluminum within a ratio tolerance of about 10%. The thermite composition 110 may optionally include an additive 106. The thermite composition 610 exhibits unexpectedly good results as an explosive to generate the explosive redox reaction 114.
The thermite composition 610 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the magnalium 204. The thermite composition 610 may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 70 wt. % the cupric oxide 602 a. The thermite composition 610 may comprise from about 5 wt. % to about 65 wt. % the molybdenum trioxide 602 b. The magnalium 204 may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size from about 30 μm to about 50 μm. The cupric oxide 602 a may comprise a purity in excess of 99% and a particle size from about one μm to about five μm. The molybdenum trioxide 602 b may comprise a purity in excess of 98% and a particle size from about 30 μm to about 50 μm. The thermite composition 610 may comprise a fine, gray powder when formed in the homogenous combination.
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a system 700 for igniting a thermite composition 108 as described herein. The system 700 may be utilized to remotely initiate the explosive redox reaction (see 114 at FIG. 1 ).
The system 700 includes the thermite composition 108 disposed within a tube 704 that is sealed with a first end cap 702 a and a second end cap 702 b. The tube 704 includes a sidewall that defines a hollow interior, and the powder thermite composition 108 is disposed within the hollow interior. The tube 704 includes a hole disposed through the sidewall. The system 700 includes an ignition wire 708 disposed through the hole 706 and connected to an ignitor 710.
The tube 704 may comprise a thick walled steel tube. The end caps 702 a, 702 b may comprise forged steel end caps that are screwed into place on either end of the tube 704. The tube may be tapped to allow the ignition wire 708 to be placed at the center of the hollow interior of the tube 704. The tube 704 may be filled halfway with the thermite composition 108 and the ignition wire 708 may be oriented at the center of the thermite composition 108 powder. The hole 706 may be sealed with epoxy or another component prior to filling the remaining space within the tube 704. The thermite composition 108 may be periodically tamped during the filling process to ensure no voids are present within the tube 704.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a method 800 for preparing the homogenous combination 108 for the thermite composition 110. The method 800 includes placing each of the metal oxide powder 102, the metal powder 104, and the optional additive 106 on a paper as shown in FIG. 8 . The paper includes each of a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner as labeled in FIG. 8 .
The method 800 includes pulling at 802 corner one toward corner three and permitting powders to mix without spilling off the mixing paper. The method 800 includes returning at 804 corner one to its original position. The method 800 includes pulling at 806 corner three toward corner one until powders are positioned within center of mixing paper. The method 800 includes repeating at 808 each of step 802, step 804, and step 806 with corners two and four, rather than with corners one and three. The method 800 includes repeating each of steps 802-808 until the powders form the homogeneous combination 108.

Examples

The following tables and examples pertain to embodiments of the systems, compositions, and methods described herein.
Table 1 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 1

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	10 wt. % ± 6 wt. %
	Bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃)	90 wt. % ± 6 wt. %

Table 2 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 2

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Titanium (Ti)	13 wt. % ± 6 wt. %
	Bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃)	85 wt. % ± 10 wt. %

Table 3 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 3

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnesium (Mg)	50 wt. % ± 25 wt. %
	Chromium trioxide (CrO₃)	48 wt. % ± 25 wt. %

Table 4 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 4

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Titanium (Ti)	50 wt. % ± 25 wt. %
	Chromium trioxide (CrO₃)	50 wt. % ± 25 wt. %

Table 5 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 5

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	23 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Black iron oxide (Fe₃O₄)	76 wt. % ± 20 wt. %

Table 6 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 6

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	30 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)	70 wt. % ± 20 wt. %

Table 7 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 7

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnesium (Mg)	35 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)	65 wt. % ± 20 wt. %

Table 8 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 8

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Titanium (Ti)	35 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)	65 wt. % ± 20 wt. %

Table 9 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 9

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	27 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃)	73 wt. % ± 20 wt. %

Table 10 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 10

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	19 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Nickel(II) oxide (NiO)	80 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 11 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 11

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Aluminum (Al)	19 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂)	80 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 12 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 12

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	24 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	75 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 13 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 13

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	55 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	PTFE	20 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 14 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 14

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	55 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃)	20 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 15 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 15

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	40 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃)	40 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 16 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 16

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	55 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃)	20 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 17 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 17

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	55 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Calcium peroxide (CaO₂)	20 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 18 is a thermite composition 110 as described herein.

	TABLE 18

	Component	Mass Percentage

	Magnalium (MgAl)	25 wt. % ± 10 wt. %
	Cupric oxide (CuO)	55 wt. % ± 15 wt. %
	Calcium peroxide (CaO₂)	20 wt. % ± 15 wt. %

Table 19 describes numerous combinations of elements for a thermite composition 110 as described herein, wherein each row of Table 19 is a different thermite composition 110 embodiment. In Table 19, if the thermite composition 110 embodiment includes more than one metal (see, e.g., embodiment number one including each of aluminum and titanium), then the metal mass percentage will refer to a collective mass percentage for the sum of the aluminum and the titanium. Each of the thermite compositions 110 may be utilized with various additives 106, including, for example, one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), calcium peroxide (CaO₂), copper (II) oxide (CuO), chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₂), manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), silica (SiO₂), boron (B₂O₃), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), or potassium nitrate (KNO₃).

TABLE 19

				Metal Oxide	Additive
		Metal Mass		Mass	Mass
Embodiment		Percentage		Percentage	Percentage
Identifier	Metal	(wt. %)	Metal Oxide	(wt. %)	(wt. %)

1	Aluminum (Al)	5-65	Bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃)	35-95	0-50
	Titanium (Ti)
2	Magnesium (Mg)	20-80	Chromium trioxide (CrO₃)	20-80	0-50
	Titanium (Ti)
3	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Black iron oxide (Fe₃O₄)	30-90	0-50
	Magnesium (Mg)
	Titanium (Ti)
4	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)	30-90	0-50
	Magnesium (Mg)
	Titanium (Ti)
5	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃)	30-90	0-50
	Magnesium (Mg)
6	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Nickel(II) oxide (NiO)	30-90	0-50
	Magnesium (Mg)
	Titanium (Ti)
7	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂)	30-90	0-50
8	Aluminum (Al)	10-70	Cupric oxide (CuO)	30-90	0-50
	Magnesium (Mg)
	Titanium (Ti)

The thermite compositions described herein may include any combination of metals as described herein and may additionally include other metals not specifically described herein that result in a thermite with an explosion hazard upon thermite reaction activation. The thermite compositions described herein may include any combination of metal oxides as described herein and may additionally include other metal oxides not specifically described herein that result in a thermite with an explosion hazard upon thermite reaction activation. The thermite compositions described herein may include one or more additives for different purposes. The additives may be included to lower the activation temperature for initiating the explosive redox reaction 114. The additives may be included to lower the burn temperature of the explosive redox reaction 114. The additives may be included to increase or decrease sensitivity to stimuli, such as impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, heat, flame, and shock. The additives may be included to improve flowability or formability.
According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a thermite composition 110 may include all or a combination of some, but not all, of the following metals: aluminum, magnesium, calcium, zirconium, or titanium.
According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a thermite composition 110 may include all or a combination of some, but not all, of the following metal oxides: ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), black iron oxide (Fe₃O₄, also known as iron (II,III) oxide), cupric oxide (CuO), bismuth trioxide (Bi₂O₃), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), chromium trioxide (CrO₃), iron (II,III) oxide (Fe₃O₄), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), nickel (II) oxide (NiO), tin (IV) oxide (SnO₂), cuprous oxide (CuO), iron (III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₃), manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), boron trioxide (B₂O₃), or silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a thermite composition 110 may include all or a combination of some, but not all, of the following additives: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon®), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), calcium peroxide (CaO₂), copper (II) oxide (CuO), chromium (III) oxide (Cr₂O₂), manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), silica (SiO₂), boron (B₂O₃), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), or potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
The foregoing percentages, concentrations, and ratios are presented by example only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise percentages, concentrations, and ratios disclosed. It should be appreciated that each value that falls within a disclosed range is disclosed as if it were individually disclosed as set forth herein. For example, a range indicating a weight percent from about 8% to about 14% additionally includes ranges beginning or ending with all values within that range, including for example a range beginning at 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, and so forth.
Example 1 is a composition that includes a metal powder thoroughly mixed with a metal oxide powder without additives to produce a thermite with an explosion hazard upon thermite reaction activation.
Example 2 is the composition of Example 1, wherein the metal oxide is selected from the group comprising bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), and copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO).
Example 3 is the composition of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the metal is selected from the group comprising aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and magnalium alloy.
Example 4 is the composition of any of Examples 1-3, where the magnalium alloy ratio of magnesium to aluminum (Mg:Al) is 50:50 or 1:1 by mass.
Example 5 is the composition of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the thermite contains one or more additives such as a PTFE; a binder or polymer; an oxidizer, such as a nitrate, chlorate, or perchlorate; an oxide, peroxide, or superoxide.
Example 6 is the composition of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the thermite reaction is not activated less than 400° Celsius when the additives listed in Example 5 are omitted from the thermite composition.
Example 7 is the composition of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the thermite composition presents an explosion hazard.
Example 8 is the composition of any of Examples 1-7, wherein a pyrogen igniter provides a sustained temperature of at least 1200° Celsius to activate the thermite reaction.
Example 9 is the composition of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the thermite reaction produces temperatures in excess of 1000° Celsius.
Example 10 is a composition. The composition includes a metal powder. The composition includes a metal oxide powder. The composition produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.
Example 11 is a composition as in Example 10, wherein the composition does not comprise additives.
Example 12 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-11, wherein the metal oxide is selected from a group comprising bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), and copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO).
Example 13 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-12, wherein the metal powder is selected from a group comprising aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and magnalium alloy.
Example 14 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-13, wherein the composition comprises a magnalium alloy ratio of magnesium to aluminum (Mg:Al) that is 50:50 or 1:1 by mass.
Example 15 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-14, wherein the metal powder is aluminum and the metal oxide powder is bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), and wherein the metal powder is between 5%-65% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 35%-95% of the mass of the composition.
Example 16 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-15, wherein the metal powder is titanium and the metal oxide powder is bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), and wherein the metal powder is between 5%-65% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 35%-95% of the mass of the composition.
Example 17 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-16, wherein the metal powder is magnesium and the metal oxide powder is manganese dioxide (MnO₂), and wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition.
Example 18 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-17, wherein the metal powder and the metal oxide powder each comprise a particle size ranging from one or more of: less than 1 micron; up to 20 microns; up to 70 microns; or up to 200 microns.
Example 19 is a composition as in any of Examples 10-18, wherein the composition excludes any propellant stabilizers.
Example 20 is a composition. The composition includes a metal powder; a metal oxide powder; and an additive. The composition produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.
Example 21 is a composition as in Example 20, wherein the metal oxide is selected from a group comprising bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), and copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO).
Example 22 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-21, wherein the metal powder is selected from a group comprising aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and magnalium alloy.
Example 23 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-22, wherein the metal powder is magnalium alloy and the metal oxide powder is copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO), wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition, and wherein the additive is PTFE and between 0%-50% of the mass of the composition.
Example 24 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-23, wherein the metal powder is magnalium alloy and the metal oxide powder is copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO), wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition, and wherein the additive is NaNO₃and between 10%-30% of the mass of the composition.
Example 25 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-24, wherein the metal powder and the metal oxide powder each comprise a particle size ranging from one or more of: less than 1 micron; up to 20 microns; up to 70 microns; or up to 200 microns.
Example 26 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-25, wherein the additive comprises one or more of PTFE, a binder, a polymer, an oxidizer, or an oxide.
Example 27 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-26, wherein the thermite reaction is not activated at less than 400° Celsius.
Example 28 is a composition as in any of Examples 20-27, wherein the composition excludes any propellant stabilizers.
Example 29 is a method. The method includes providing one or more metal oxide powders. The method includes providing one or more metal powders. The method includes homogenously combining the one or more metal oxide powders with the one or more metal powders to form the thermite composition. The method is such that the resulting thermite composition produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.
Example 30 is a method as in Example 29, wherein homogenously combining the one or more metal oxide powders with the one or more metal powders comprises: providing a mixer, wherein the mixer is a 0.5-Liter electrically-conductive plastic container comprising a stainless steel wire whisk shaker ball; remotely tumbling the mixer end-over-end once every four seconds for fifteen minutes.
Example 31 is a method as in any of Examples 29-30, wherein the method further comprises: providing an ignition source capable of providing a sustained temperature of at least 1200° Celsius for igniting the thermite composition.
Example 32 is a method as in any of Examples 29-31, wherein the resulting thermite composition includes any of the components of any of Examples 1-28.
The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.
Further, although specific implementations of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the disclosure is to be defined by the claims appended hereto, any future claims submitted here and in different applications, and their equivalents.
In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in a single implementation for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate implementation of the disclosure.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.
Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on its presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the disclosure may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the disclosure.
Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A composition comprising:

a metal powder; and

a metal oxide powder;

wherein the composition produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal oxide is selected from a group comprising bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), and copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO).

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal powder is selected from a group comprising aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and magnalium alloy.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition comprises a magnalium alloy ratio of magnesium to aluminum (Mg:Al) that is 50:50 or 1:1 by mass.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal powder is aluminum, and the metal oxide powder is bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), and wherein the metal powder is between 5%-65% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 35%-95% of the mass of the composition.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal powder is titanium, and the metal oxide powder is bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), and wherein the metal powder is between 5%-65% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 35%-95% of the mass of the composition.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal powder is magnesium, and the metal oxide powder is manganese dioxide (MnO₂), and wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, and wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal powder and the metal oxide powder each comprise a particle size ranging from one or more of:

less than 1 micron;

up to 20 microns;

up to 70 microns; or

up to 200 microns.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition excludes any propellant stabilizers.

10. A composition comprising:

a metal powder;

a metal oxide powder; and

an additive;

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the metal oxide is selected from a group comprising bismuth (III) oxide (Bi₂O₃), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), and copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO).

12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the metal powder is selected from a group comprising aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and magnalium alloy.

13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the metal powder is magnalium alloy and the metal oxide powder is copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO), wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition, and wherein the additive is PTFE and between 0%-50% of the mass of the composition.

14. The composition of claim 10, wherein the metal powder is magnalium alloy and the metal oxide powder is copper (II)/cupric oxide (CuO), wherein the metal powder is between 10%-70% of a mass of the composition, wherein the metal oxide powder is between 30%-90% of the mass of the composition, and wherein the additive is NaNO₃and between 10%-30% of the mass of the composition.

15. The composition of claim 10, wherein the metal powder and the metal oxide powder each comprise a particle size ranging from one or more of:

less than 1 micron;

up to 20 microns;

up to 70 microns; or

up to 200 microns.

16. The composition of claim 10, wherein the additive comprises one or more of PTFE, a binder, a polymer, an oxidizer, or an oxide.

17. The composition of claim 10, wherein the thermite reaction is not activated at less than 400° Celsius.

18. The composition of claim 10, wherein the composition excludes any propellant stabilizers.

19. A method for producing a thermite composition, the method comprising:

providing one or more metal oxide powders;

providing one or more metal powders; and

homogenously combining the one or more metal oxide powders with the one or more metal powders to form the thermite composition;

wherein the resulting thermite composition produces an explosion hazard upon receiving a thermite reaction activation.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein homogenously combining the one or more metal oxide powders with the one or more metal powders comprises:

providing a mixer, wherein the mixer is a 0.5-Liter electrically-conductive plastic container comprising a stainless steel wire whisk shaker ball;

remotely tumbling the mixer end-over-end once every four seconds for fifteen minutes.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises:

providing an ignition source capable of providing a sustained temperature of at least 1200° Celsius for igniting the thermite composition.