What is the principle of matches?

The match principle is based on the principle that objects generate heat by friction, and uses the chemical activity of strong oxidant and reductant to make a kindling tool that can be ignited by friction.

Matchhead is mainly composed of oxidant (KClO3), combustible (such as sulfur) and adhesive. The phosphorus of matches is mainly composed of red phosphorus, antimony trisulfide and adhesive. When striking a match, the matchhead rubs against the side of the matchbox to generate heat, and the released heat decomposes KClO3, producing a small amount of oxygen, which ignites red phosphorus, thus burning combustible substances (such as sulfur) on the matchhead and igniting the match.

Popularization time

1827 On April 7th, the first box of matches made by John E Walker was sold. He sold a box of 84 matches for a shilling. A small piece of sandpaper is attached to one end of the matchbox, and the matchhead is sandwiched between sandpaper. When the match is pulled out, it is lit. Since then, matches have spread all over the world.

1830, yellow phosphorus matches appeared again. This kind of match can be ignited as soon as it is struck, but it is prone to danger and its smoke is toxic. 1835, another person invented a safe and harmless red phosphorus match. By 1848, the Germans invented the safety matches that are widely used today. The invention of matches provided great convenience for human beings to use fire.