Cindy wrote on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:13:44 -0700 (PDT):

>> While we are on the topic of the magic of metallurgy, it may
>> interest people to know that powdered aluminum is considered
>> to be hazardous materials that is subject to spontaneous
>> combustion.

> Yeah, but it's more fun if you mix it with an oxidizer and put
> it into a
> cardboard tube.

It can be ignited but I really doubt about *spontaneous" combustion even
if you could get it to burn. I know if you mix aluminum powder with iron
oxide (rust) and ignite it, you get one of the hottest fires that exists
and it will even burn below water. They call the mix Thermite.

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not