A thermite composition for pyrotechnics having high heat transfer charactistics comprising a strongly reducible metal oxide, a thermally decomposable heat transfer agent consisting of Cu.sub.2 O, and a strong reducing agent. It is desirable that the stoichiometerics and mechanics of the thermite reaction is such that there is a substantial excess of oxygen. Also, other ingredients may be added to the composition such as gas generating compounds, binders, diluents and supplemental oxidizing agents.
