this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2025
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Thermite is the opposite of discrete and is notoriously a bitch to light
Aluminum-rust is truly hard to ignite.
Thermites where the other component (besides the typical aluminum) contains a second light metal can be lit easily, but tend to burn quick with a blinding flame, and produce a lot of gas / vapour. I have once produced electrical power with solar panels during a thermite experiment (for fun, not for any practical use). :) One shouldn't stare into their flame, its spectrum has a lot of harmful UV.
Once upon a time, I also had a model rocket burst its case (too small nozzle) with thermite. Fortunately I was at a safe distance. (Note: thermites don't have a good specific impulse, they're exotic and fun, but not good propellants.)
Light thermites wouldn't be capable of melting through metal, but I think they would ignite aluminum-rust. Regardless, I would not recommend them as the first resort in any situation. But it's worth remembering that they exist.
I think one can use them to build an underwater torch. Another nice ability is producing molten copper on site (copper can't be welded with electricity because it's the most conductive metal, so thermite helps splice together thick copper conductors).