Pyrophoric Materials: Definition, Examples, and Applications

Pyrophoric means something that has a tendency to ignite and burn easily, especially when exposed to air or other oxidizing agents. In other words, it is an substance that can spontaneously ignite and burn rapidly when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames.

Examples of pyrophoric materials include:

1. Sodium (Na) - This highly reactive metal can ignite spontaneously in air at room temperature, producing a bright flash of light and intense heat.
2. Potassium (K) - Like sodium, potassium is also highly reactive and can ignite easily in air, producing a similar flash of light and heat.
3. Rubidium (Rb) - This rare earth metal is even more reactive than sodium or potassium, and can ignite spontaneously in air at room temperature.
4. Caesium (Cs) - Another highly reactive metal, caesium can ignite in air at room temperature and burn with a bright blue flame.
5. Francium (Fr) - The most reactive metal of all, francium can ignite spontaneously in air and burn with an intense blue flame.

Pyrophoric materials are often used in specialized applications such as high-temperature chemistry, rocket propulsion, and other areas where a high-energy ignition source is required. However, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly, as they can ignite unexpectedly and cause fires or explosions.