Thermite matches

Abstract

In one embodiment, thermite matches are provided. For instance, thermite matches as described herein may be constructed as a multi-staged formulation comprising an outer ignition tip, an optional inner transition tip, and a bulk fuel thermite stage. The outer ignition tip may comprise an ignition compound that can be struck/scraped against an abrasive counter-chemical surface (e.g., red phosphorous) to initiate the reaction. The outer ignition tip can reach a first burn temperature that can further ignite the inner transition tip stage, which can in turn burn at a temperature that reaches the ignition temperature of the bulk fuel thermite. The high burn temperature of the thermite match may then be used to ignite other materials, such as hard-to-ignite materials, such as a thermite rod for cutting or welding. Other embodiments provide for thermite match handles and a two-piece ignition thermite matches.