What do match heads contain

White phosphorus was eventually replaced with another allotrope: red phosphorus. But what are the purposes behind the ingredients?

The match head contains an oxidising agent, usually potassium chlorate, and sulphur. These chemicals do not ignite on their own, meaning that the match will not light from normal friction. This is because the striking surface contains the chemical needed for the potassium chlorate and sulphur to ignite: red phosphorus. The match head also contains glue, which not only binds materials together but also serves as extra fuel.

The wooden stick is covered in a layer of paraffin wax. This ensures that the flame will burn down the stick. The wood is also soaked in ammonium phosphate which stifles any afterglow. The striking surface and match head share one major ingredient: powdered glass. Red phosphorus replaced white phosphorus in matches because it was much more stable. It is contained in the striking surface of safety matches, not in the match head.

When the match head strikes the scratchpad, the glass-on-glass friction creates heat. A perforated conveyor belt holds them upside down while they are dipped in a series of three tanks. The matches are dried for minutes before they are packaged.

The chemicals for each portion of the match head are weighed and measured exactly to avoid any variation in the match composition that might affect performance. Operators constantly monitor the operation and visually inspect the product at all stages of manufacture. In addition to visual inspection and other normal quality control procedures, match production requires strict attention to safety. Considering that there may be more than one million matches attached to the perforated belt at any time means that the working environment must be kept free of all sources of accidental ignition.

The use of matches in the United States has steadily declined in the last few decades. This decline is the result of several factors: the availability of inexpensive, disposable lighters; the decrease in the use of tobacco products by the general public; and the development of automatic lighting devices for gas-fired stoves.

Of the matches that are sold, book matches far outsell wooden stick matches because of their advertising value. Worldwide, matches will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future, although their production will probably follow the demand and migrate to other countries. Bennett, H. The Chemical Formulary, Vol. Chemical Publishing Company, Inc.

Bean, M. September, , pp. Toggle navigation. Made How Volume 3 Match Match. Periodicals Bean, M. Other articles you might like:. Also read article about Match from Wikipedia. User Contributions: 1. In this view i would request you to suggest me the budjet required and the raw material aquisition, and also give if any kind of other business is available like this.

This information is amazing. The information provided is precise and exact. I wish there were some colour pictures to describe the process. Hi there Great Info. However I am extremely interested to understand the process and making of the matchstick in a more unusual way.

The heat ignites the phosphorus that has reached the match head of the match when rubbing. The oxygen is supplied by the oxidizing agent potassium chlorate. The match head mass is foamed with air to optimize the burning behavior of the match head.

Silicates are added to the match head, which on the one hand, dampen the reaction somewhat and thus prolong the burning time, and on the other hand, form a slag that prevents the ash from being separated from the match. How to Make Phosphorus. How to Make Acetate From Vinegar. What Is Red Oxide Paint? Is Pewter Safe? How to Make Homemade Glow Sticks. How to Burn Potassium Nitrate. How to Obtain Red Phosphorus. Interesting Facts About Garnet. School Projects With Magnesium.

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