The Ultimate Thermite Sword: Making and Testing a Sword Made from Thermite

🔥The Backyard Scientist attempts to make a sword using the powerful thermite reaction.

⚔️He compares the efficiency of red and black iron oxide thermite.

💪After multiple attempts, he successfully creates a sword made entirely of thermite.

🍊The Backyard Scientist tests the chopping power of the thermite sword on various objects, including aluminum cans, pumpkins, and oranges.

🔬The process of creating the thermite sword is documented, including the use of insulating fire brick, mold-making, and heat treatment.

What is thermite?

—Thermite is a powerful reaction that produces molten metal when ignited. It consists of a metal oxide and a reducing agent, such as aluminum powder.

What is the difference between red and black iron oxide thermite?

—Red and black iron oxide thermite have slightly different chemical formulas and densities. Black iron oxide thermite contains more raw iron per gram and is denser, potentially leading to a more efficient reaction.

How efficient is the thermite reaction in producing molten iron?

—The Backyard Scientist's experiment yielded a 43% yield of raw iron from the thermite reaction. By adding stainless steel to the thermite mixture, he aimed to increase the efficiency of the reaction and produce more molten iron.

What challenges did the Backyard Scientist face in creating the thermite sword?

—The Backyard Scientist encountered difficulties during the molding process, with some thermite escaping the mold and exposing the steel. He also had to troubleshoot and improve the cooling process after discovering imperfections in the blade.

How effective is the thermite sword?

—The thermite sword proves to be strong and sharp, successfully cutting through various objects such as aluminum cans, pumpkins, and oranges. It showcases the power and versatility of thermite reactions in creating functional tools.

00:00The Backyard Scientist attempts to make a sword using thermite.

03:08He compares the efficiency of red and black iron oxide thermite.

06:20After multiple attempts, he successfully creates a sword made entirely of thermite.

09:00The Backyard Scientist tests the chopping power of the thermite sword on various objects, including aluminum cans, pumpkins, and oranges.

09:34The process of creating the thermite sword is documented, including the use of insulating fire brick, mold-making, and heat treatment.