Why is a matchstick rubbed against …

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The history of the matchstick is very old. More than 5000 years ago small pieces of pinewood dipped in sulphur was used as matchs in ancient Egypt. The modern safety match was developed only about 200 years ago. A mixture of antimony trisulphide potassium chlorate and whit phosphorus with some glue And starch was applied on the head of the match made of suitable wood. When struck against a rough surface, white phosphorus got ignited due the heat of friction. This started the combustion of the match. However, white phosphorus proved to be dangerous for the workers involved in the manufacturing of the matches and for the users. These days the head of the safety match contains only antimony trisulphide and potassium chlorate. The rubbing surface has powdered glass and a little red phosphorus(which is much less dangerous). When the match is struck against the rubbing surface, se red phosphorus get converted to white phosphorus . This immediately reacts with potassium chlorate in the matchstick head to produce enough heat to ignite antimony trisulphide and start the combustion.