Safety Matches

Safety matches are small wooden or cardboard sticks with a head that ignites when struck against a specially prepared friction surface. Unlike "strike-anywhere" matches, safety matches separate the igniting chemicals (phosphorus) between the match head and the striking surface, making them safer.

Types of Safety Matches

Standard Wooden Matches: Most common, made from wood splints.

Cardboard Matches (Book Matches): Found in small booklets.

Storm Matches: Designed to be wind and water-resistant.

Waterproof Matches: Coated to resist moisture.

Long-Stem Matches: For fireplaces, candles, etc.

Vesta Matches: Early form of safety match.

Applications in Various Industries

Applications: 

Lighting fires (cigarettes, candles, stoves, campfires), survival kits, promotional items, household use.

Technology (Manufacturing Process):

Match Splint Production: Wood (pine, aspen, poplar) is debarked, cut into blocks, and then rotary cut or chopped into splints. Cardboard splints are die-cut.

Chemical Treatment: Splints are treated with fire retardants (e.g., ammonium phosphate) to prevent afterglow and a paraffin wax solution to aid ignition.

Head Composition:

Ignition Layer: Contains oxidizers (e.g., potassium chlorate), binders, fillers, and sometimes sulfur.

Top Layer (optional, for some matches): Contains additional coloring or ignition aids.

Striking Surface Composition: Red phosphorus, glass powder (abrasive), binders, and fillers.

Dipping: Splints are dipped into the chemical solutions for the head and then dried.

Packaging: Matches are counted and packed into boxes or booklets.

Key Chemical Reactions: Friction generates heat, converting red phosphorus on the striking surface to white phosphorus, which then reacts with the potassium chlorate on the match head to ignite.

Material Selection Considerations

Match Splint:

• Wood: Poplar, aspen, or pine are preferred due to their straight grain, ease of processing, and consistent burning characteristics. They must be free of knots.
• Cardboard: Recycled paperboard for book matches.

Match Head Chemicals:

• Oxidizers: Potassium chlorate (KClO3) is the primary component, providing oxygen for combustion.

Fuel/Combustion Aids: Sulfur, starch, or glue.

• Binders: Animal glue or other water-soluble polymers to hold the components together.
• Fillers: Calcium carbonate, clay.
• Colorants: Various pigments.

Striking Surface Chemicals:

• Ignition Promoter: Red phosphorus (P4).
• Abrasive: Powdered glass or silicon dioxide to provide friction.
• Binder: Animal glue or other adhesives.
• Paraffin Wax: Applied to the wooden splint to ensure the flame transfers from the head to the wood.
• Fire Retardant: Ammonium phosphate or similar salts applied to the splint to prevent smoldering after the flame extinguishes.
• Matchbox/Booklet: Cardboard or paperboard, often printed with branding and safety warnings.