Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of producing hydrogen gas. The method comprises the steps of: providing in a reaction container a composition including respective quantities of particulate elemental magnesium, particulate elemental iron, an additional elemental metal selected from the group consisting of particulate elemental aluminum and particulate elemental zinc at a level of from about 1-10% by weight, an alkali metal salt and water; causing said composition to react in said container to generate hydrogen gas; and recovering said evolved hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Methods and products for thermally degrading unwanted substances is provided which involves contacting such substances with a particulate metal composition in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt, and causing sufficient heat to be generated during such contacting to degrade the substance. The particulate metal compositions include respective quantities of particulate iron and magnesium, and optionally quantities of particulate aluminum and zinc. The compositions generate temperatures on the order of 300-550° F. during such thermal degradations, along with quantities of hydrogen gas and water vapor.

Abstract: Methods and products for thermally degrading unwanted substances is provided which involves contacting such substances with a particulate metal composition in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt, and causing sufficient heat to be generated during such contacting to degrade the substance. The particulate metal compositions include respective quantities of particulate iron and magnesium, and optionally quantities of particulate aluminum and zinc. The compositions generate temperatures on the order of 300-550.degree. F. during such thermal degradations, along with quantities of hydrogen gas and water vapor.

Abstract: Methods and products for thermally degrading unwanted substances is provided which involves contacting such substances with a particulate metal composition in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt, and causing sufficient heat to be generated during such contacting to degrade the substance. The particulate metal compositions include respective quantities of particulate iron and magnesium, and optionally quantities of particulate aluminum and zinc. The compositions generate temperatures on the order of 300-550.degree. F. during such thermal degradations, along with quantities of hydrogen gas and water vapor.