What makes liquid oxygen (LOX) combustible?

Liquid oxygen (LOX) is highly combustible due to its role as a strong oxidizer. While oxygen itself is not flammable, it supports combustion by providing the necessary oxidizing environment for a fire to occur. The presence of organic matter or flammable substances is crucial because these materials serve as the fuel that, when combined with LOX, can ignite and burn vigorously.

When liquid oxygen comes into contact with fuels, the reaction can be explosive and intense, especially under high pressure or in confined spaces. Flammable materials include various hydrocarbons, metals, and other organic compounds, which can undergo rapid combustion in the presence of abundant oxygen. This is why handling LOX requires strict safety protocols, focusing on minimizing the presence of organic materials and ensuring that any substances in proximity to LOX are compatible and non-reactive. Thus, the characteristic of LOX being combustible stems from its ability to enhance and sustain the combustion of these organic materials.