Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Calzaer · 08-04-2003, 01:21 PM

How do matches work? More specifically, how do "strike-on-box" matches work? They mystify me. Even sandpaper won't set those things off.

Sorry, it's been bothering me all week.

simian · 08-04-2003, 01:30 PM

Sorry, working from memory here, but I think it is a phosphorus compound that provides the initial ignition. In the case of strike anywhere matches, the compound is on the match itself. In the case of strike on the box matches, it is mounted on the box instead of the match. (now if this is correct, it makes one want to ask how the box itself keeps from going up in flames once struck)

Simian

PS - not much info, but basic information can be found here

Wounded King · 08-05-2003, 02:57 AM

The match box lacks the sulfur and oxidising agents required.

Kat_Somm_Faen · 08-05-2003, 03:09 AM

Bleh!

Phosphorus ( or whatever else on the match head they put ) is sensitive to heat. Heat is created by striking the match by friction that happens. The red stuff ( phosphorous ) starts burning sice it is easily flamable and creates even more heat that lights up the match stick which is made of wood.

Kinda like rubbing two sticks together

just the stick has been primes with a very flamable substance.

Oxidizing agent is air

simian · 08-05-2003, 04:48 AM

The "strike on box" matches are very resistant to starting by striking on anything but the matchbox. I don't know if that surface has an exceptionally high coeffecient of friction, or if something in addition to the friction is going on.

Simian

liamo · 08-05-2003, 06:23 AM

Found here:

Quote:

Safety matches

These matches can only be lit by striking on the specially prepared abrasive surface on the side of the matchbox, while "strike-anywhere" matches (illegal in many countries because of fire hazard) can be struck on any rough surface.
The heads of safety matches contain sulfur and oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate with powdered glass, fillers, colouring matter and a binder of glue and starch. The striking surface on the box contains red phosphorus, powdered glass or silica (sand), filler and binder. When the match is struck, the heat from the friction causes a small amount of red phosphorus on the box to be vapourized as white phosphorus vapour. The latter burns spontaneously in air and initiates the decomposition of the potassium chlorate which liberates oxygen. The sulfur ignites and lights the wood of the match.

The heads of strike-anywhere matches contain phosphorus sulphide P4S3, oxidizing agents, powdered glass to increase the friction and a glue as a binder. Since both phosphorus and sulfur are present on the heads of the strike-anywhere matches, striking these matches anywhere will generate enough heat of friction to ignite the phosphorus sulfide. The train of reactions thereafter is similar to that which is described above.

Liam

tribalbeeyatch · 08-05-2003, 06:36 AM

FYI: The red phosphorous in safety match strikers is now a controlled substance due to it being a commonly used reagent in methamphetamine synthesis. I don't know if that puts the manufacture of those matches in peril, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that tweakers were buying safety matches by the cubic yard just to scrape the stuff off for use in their labs.

Calzaer · 08-05-2003, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the info!

08-04-2003, 01:21 PM	#1
Calzaer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,762	Dumb science question How do matches work? More specifically, how do "strike-on-box" matches work? They mystify me. Even sandpaper won't set those things off. Sorry, it's been bothering me all week.

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08-04-2003, 01:30 PM	#2
simian Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 1,924	Sorry, working from memory here, but I think it is a phosphorus compound that provides the initial ignition. In the case of strike anywhere matches, the compound is on the match itself. In the case of strike on the box matches, it is mounted on the box instead of the match. (now if this is correct, it makes one want to ask how the box itself keeps from going up in flames once struck) Simian PS - not much info, but basic information can be found here

08-05-2003, 02:57 AM	#3
Wounded King Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 1,211	The match box lacks the sulfur and oxidising agents required.

08-05-2003, 03:09 AM	#4
Kat_Somm_Faen Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 3,316	Bleh! Phosphorus ( or whatever else on the match head they put ) is sensitive to heat. Heat is created by striking the match by friction that happens. The red stuff ( phosphorous ) starts burning sice it is easily flamable and creates even more heat that lights up the match stick which is made of wood. Kinda like rubbing two sticks together just the stick has been primes with a very flamable substance. Oxidizing agent is air

08-05-2003, 04:48 AM	#5
simian Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 1,924	The "strike on box" matches are very resistant to starting by striking on anything but the matchbox. I don't know if that surface has an exceptionally high coeffecient of friction, or if something in addition to the friction is going on. Simian

08-05-2003, 06:36 AM	#7
tribalbeeyatch Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: On the edge Posts: 509	FYI: The red phosphorous in safety match strikers is now a controlled substance due to it being a commonly used reagent in methamphetamine synthesis. I don't know if that puts the manufacture of those matches in peril, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that tweakers were buying safety matches by the cubic yard just to scrape the stuff off for use in their labs.

08-05-2003, 02:36 PM	#8
Calzaer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,762	Thanks for the info!

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