<P> Thermate composition is a thermite one enriched with a salt - based oxidizer (usually nitrates, e.g., barium nitrate, or peroxides). In contrast with thermites, thermates burn with evolution of flame and gases . The presence of the oxidizer makes the mixture easier to ignite and improves penetration of target by the burning composition, as the evolved gas is projecting the molten slag and providing mechanical agitation . This mechanism makes thermate more suitable than thermite for incendiary purposes and for emergency destruction of sensitive equipment (e.g., cryptographic devices), as thermite's effect is more localized . </P> <P> Metals can burn under the right conditions, similar to the combustion process of wood or gasoline . In fact, rust is the result of oxidation of steel or iron at very slow rates . A thermite reaction is a process in which the correct mixture of metallic fuels combine and ignite . Ignition itself requires extremely high temperatures . </P> <P> Ignition of a thermite reaction normally requires a sparkler or easily obtainable magnesium ribbon, but may require persistent efforts, as ignition can be unreliable and unpredictable . These temperatures cannot be reached with conventional black powder fuses, nitrocellulose rods, detonators, pyrotechnic initiators, or other common igniting substances . Even when the thermite is hot enough to glow bright red, it doesn't ignite, as it must be at or near white - hot to initiate the reaction . It is possible to start the reaction using a propane torch if done correctly . </P> <P> Often, strips of magnesium metal are used as fuses . Because metals burn without releasing cooling gases, they can potentially burn at extremely high temperatures . Reactive metals such as magnesium can easily reach temperatures sufficiently high for thermite ignition . Magnesium ignition remains popular among amateur thermite users, mainly because it can be easily obtained . </P>

Thermite is a mixture of iron oxide and