Collect information about the history
Of matchstick and write a diary entry
Answers
Hey Mate !
The history of match stick is very old. More than 5000 years ago small pieces of pinewood dipped in sulphur were used as matches in ancient Egypt. The modern safety match was developed only 200 years ago.
A mixture of antimony trisulphide, potassium chlorate and white phosphorous with some glue and starch was applied on the head of match made of wood. When struck against rough surface, white phosphorou got ignited due to heat of friction. This started the combustion of match stick.
However white phosphorous proved to be dangereous to health both for workers involved in manufacturing and users.
These days the head of match stick contains antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate. The rubbing surface has powdered glass and a little red phosphorous. When match stick is struck against the rubbing surface some red surface gets converted into white phosphorous. This immediately reacts with potassium chlorate in match stick head to produce enough heat to ignite antimony trisulphide and start the combustion.
Hope it helps u !
