Thermitic Thermodynamics

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.