[Re: [rescue] Linux error]

[Dave McGuire]

On July 13, nick at snowman.net wrote:
> Aluminum dosen't oxidize under most circumstances...  sorry, I ment rusted
> iron.

  BZZT.  Aluminum oxidizes nearly instantaneously upon contact with air,
forming a very tough layer of aluminum oxide.  That's what makes
aluminum nigh-impossible to solder and very difficult to weld without
a local nonoxidizing atmosphere.

  And yes, thermite *is* as easy as mixing iron oxide with aluminum
powder.  It's just a pain to ignite.  I've made it several times.

           -Dave McGuire