Description
Match is based on the principle of object friction heat, the use of strong oxidant and reducing agent chemical activity, produced by a friction ignition tool.
In the second half of the 18th century, yellow phosphorus was mainly used as an incendiary agent. Because yellow phosphorus is poisonous, later gradually replaced by sulphide phosphorus match. The latter although non-toxic, but at any time the possibility of spontaneous combustion, very unsafe. In 1855, the world in Sweden set up a match factory successfully developed safety matches, gradually adopted by the world.
The sides of today's matchboxes are coated with red phosphorus (ignition agent), antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3, flammable) and glass powder; The substance of match head is KClO3 (oxidant), MnO2 (catalyst) and S (combustible). When the two friction, due to the friction generated heat and KClO3 contact red phosphorus ignition, and cause the match head combustible combustion, so that the match rod ignited. The advantage of safety matches is that red phosphorus is not toxic, and it and oxidizer adhere to the side of the matchbox and the match stick, respectively, and do not touch each other when not in use. That's why they call them safety matches.
