This article was taken from the March 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
The wax that binds paintballs also helps matches spark into life.
Ingredients
Match heads:
Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate
Paraffin wax
Potassium chlorate
Sulphur
Powdered glass
Pigment
Glue
Striking surface:
Red phosphorus
Powdered glass
Glue
Paraffin wax
The match tip's wax coating is ignited by a chemical reaction as the match is struck. The same wax is used as a thickening agent in some paintballs.
Red phosphorus
As the match is struck, the friction converts some of the red phosphorus strip to the spontaneously flammable white phosphorus.
Sulphur
This acts as the ignition fuel, reacting with the potassium chlorate to generate temperatures of 800°C and cause combustion.
Powedered glass
Friction from this substance in both the match head and the panels creates the 200°C temperatures required to start the chemical reactions.
Potassium chlorate
As the match is struck, this oxidising agent initiates a reaction with the sulphur to cause a burst of flame.
Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate
This is a wood treatment to prevent afterglow, so the match does not smoulder too much.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
