IntroductionIntroduction

• Matches are a quick easy way to produce fire and this is why we choose to use them over rubbing together wood sticks or rocks. Most modern safety matches are made with an oxidizer, and igniter, and a fuel.

• There are two types of matches that we can find out in the market: safety matches and the “strike anywhere” matches.

Safety Matches • Potassium chlorate +

phosphorus agent+ sulfur agent

Strike-anywhere Matches

• Potassium chlorate + phosphorus agent+ sulfur agent

• The red phosphorus is found at the side of the box where the matches come in. On the side of the box you will also find binder and powder glass.

• The potassium chlorate and sulfur are found at the head of the match.

• The head of the “strike anywhere” match contains potassium chlorate and tetraphosphorus sulfide, glass and binder.

• Safety match chemical equation – 3KClO3 + Sb2S3 ----> 3KCl + Sb2O3 + 3SO2.

• Strike anywhere match chemical equation– 16KClO3 + 3P4S3 ----> 16KCl + 3P4O10 + 9SO2

• Mojamed, M. Nalla, S.P. Sicapirakasam, and M. Surianarayanan. "Experimental Investigation on the Impact Sensitivity of a Match Head Composition Influenced by the Surface Roughness of In-process Contact Materials." Process Safety and Environmental Protection. XXX. (2012): n. page. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095758201200095X

• "Match." Encyclopedia. Today's Science. Facts On File News Services, n.d. Web. 9 April. 2013.http://www.2facts.com/article/xma065100a

• How does a match work?." Lansing State Journal. (1997): n. page. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/092596.html

• "Matches- Striking Chemistry at Your Fingertips."ChemMatters. Dec 2002: 14-16. Print

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