[Snottco]

When researching thermite for a school project, I came across the statement that 'any' metal oxide could be used to make it and was wondering if that statement is true, as I am hoping to get high marks and don't want to state something false. I didn't know if Aluminium oxide is at all usable for thermite as it might not conduct the same reaction if the metals are the same. Thanks in advance

[chenbeier]

Check what is Thermit. Aluminiumoxide ist not used for it. Instead  what has aluminium oxide to do with it?
A lot of transition metal oxide can be used. During my univeristy time the goal was to produce some manganase, chromium, nickel, cobalt with this reaction.

[wildfyr]

We don't discuss explosives here

[chenbeier]

You are right. But every medal has two sides. Thermit is used for welding railway tracks or iron bars. And the question to asked for different oxides should be ok. We gave no receipe. Were doesit starts and were does it end.

 I can use a truck to carry goods or to drive it on a christmas market to kill people.

[wildfyr]

I am not going to get into a semantics discussion, but it is a warning to you both that this will be locked if it veers into the topics of explosives. We all know how thermite is often used by amateurs.

[Enthalpy]

[...] I didn't know if Aluminium oxide is at all usable for thermite as it might not conduct the same reaction if the metals are the same. [...]

Sound logic.

To determine if such a reaction releases heat (which is also a first approximate indication whether the reaction proceeds), I'd compare the heats of formation of the oxides per mole of oxygen atoms.

I don't expect Al to react with MgO neither. Nor CaO, BeO, Li₂O, Y₂O₃, Sc₂O₃ and more.