Why doesn't the thermite process work if you replace the aluminum with carbon?

Answer 1

Aluminium? Did you mean Magnesium?

Ignition
Conventional thermite reactions require very high temperatures for initiation. These cannot be reached with conventional black-powder fuses, nitrocellulose rods, detonators, or other common igniting substances. Even when the thermite is hot enough to glow bright red, it will not 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 right, but this should never be attempted for safety reasons.

Often, strips of magnesium metal are used as fuses. Magnesium burns at approximately the temperature at which thermite reacts, around 2500 kelvins (4000 °F). This method is notoriously unreliable: magnesium itself is hard to ignite, and in windy or wet conditions the strip may be extinguished. Also, magnesium strips do not contain their own oxygen source so ignition cannot occur through a small hole. A significant danger of magnesium ignition is the fact that the metal is an excellent conductor of heat; heating one end of the ribbon may cause the other end to transfer enough heat to the thermite to cause premature ignition. Despite these issues, magnesium ignition remains popular amongst amateur thermite users.

The reaction between potassium permanganate and glycerine is used as an alternative to the magnesium method. When these two substances mix, a spontaneous reaction will begin, slowly increasing the temperature of the mixture until flames are produced. The heat released by the oxidation of glycerine is sufficient to initiate a thermite reaction. However, this method can also be unreliable and the delay between mixing and ignition can vary greatly due to factors such as particle size and ambient temperature.

Another method of igniting is to use a common sparkler to ignite the mix. These reach the necessary temperatures and provide a sufficient amount of time before the burning point reaches the sample.

Answer 2

In thermite welding, heat is generated by the chemical reaction that results when a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide, known as thermite, is ignited. The aluminum unites with the oxygen and generates heat, releasing liquid steel from the iron. The liquid steel serves as filler metal for the weld. Thermite welding is employed chiefly in welding breaks or seams in heavy iron and steel sections. It is also used in the welding of rail for railroad tracks.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Hm let me try this one see if I paid enough attention in science. CARBON IS ALREADY BURNT !! The powdered Al burns at a high temperature when mixed with the Mg it burns even hotter. The military has spent millions of dollars try to find alternate sources of heat and found the Al to be best. If you have the time and means try other metals yourself and see what you come up with.
If you find something that they havent thought of and it works you may be a Nobel Prize winner.

Answer 5

the ignition of the magnesium wick is not hot enough to start the molten reaction with carbon

Answer 6

doesn't get hot enough

Answer 7

huh?