pyrophoric, a.
(-ˈfɒrɪk)
[f. next + -ic.]
Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of a pyrophorus; having the property of taking fire on exposure to air. pyrophoric alloy, an alloy (usu. of iron and cerium) that emits sparks when scratched or struck with a file or the like. Also pyrophorous (-ˈɒfərəs), a.
| 1828 Webster, Pyrophorous, pertaining to or resembling pyrophorus. 1836 Brande Man. Chem. (ed. 4) 1119 A residue..which burns like tinder when heated, and at a high temperature is pyrophoric. 1866–8 Watts Dict. Chem. IV. 766 The pyrophoric character is exhibited by all the more easily oxidable metals. 1876 Harley Mat. Med. (ed. 6) 247 At a higher temperature this is completely decomposed, leaving a pyrophoric mixture of lead and carbon. 1906 C. A. von Welsbach U.S. Patent 837,017 What I claim is—1. A pyrophoric alloy, containing cerium alloyed with iron; substantially as and for the purposes described. 1950 Thorpe's Dict. Appl. Chem. (ed. 4) X. 328/2 The pyrophoric alloy, in the form of a small rod, is generally pressed firmly against a hard steel wheel with a roughened surface. The shower of sparks produced on rapidly rotating the wheel is projected on to a cotton wick impregnated with..lighter fluid. |