Thermite burns at more than 2,200 °C—hotter than molten lava—and yields aluminum oxide and metallic iron. The reaction is used in construction to weld steel and in war to melt through enemy ... Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition of metal powder and metal oxide that undergoes an exothermic redox reaction when ignited. Learn about the discovery, applications, and variations of thermite , such as nanosized particles, cryo- thermite , and iron (III) oxide. Learn what thermite reaction is, how it works and why it is useful. Find out the chemical equation, the redox process and the applications of thermite in welding, refining and fireworks. The thermite reaction is a spectacular exothermic chemical reaction that makes an exciting chemistry demonstration. As a demonstration, the reaction illustrates the metal reactivity series, oxidation, and exothermic reaction .