This work investigated carbon nanotube reactions when subjected to a laser irradiation. It was found that the laser produced a fast explosion-like result. The addition of ferrocene to the carbon nanotube powder was found to increase the decomposition temperature and reaction of photo-initiated nanotubes. Incomplete combustion was found as a result of particle scattering and limited thermal transfer in loose samples however in confined samples a burning front can develop resulting in more complete combustion.