• 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

http://youtu.be/gQVoRq3TPM8

• 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