Matches are a kindling tool which is ignited by friction based on the principle that objects generate heat by friction, using the chemical activity of strong oxidants and reducers. When the matchhead rubs the surface on the matchbox, because both sides are rough, it will produce a lot of friction heat. At this time, the phosphorus contained in the friction surface is first ignited, and the generated heat will decompose the sulfur and potassium hydroxide on the matchhead to release oxygen, thus igniting the matchstick. That is to say, the first ignition is caused by the red phosphorus on the friction surface of the matchbox, and the second ignition is caused by the action of oxygen and fuel (sulfur) produced by the matchhead. Of course, even if you don't use the friction surface on the matchbox, but use the matchhead to rub violently on the blackboard or desktop newspaper, when a lot of friction heat is generated, it can directly cause secondary ignition, thus lighting the match. This is because the high temperature generated by friction decomposes potassium hydroxide into oxygen, and at the same time makes the temperature of sulfur reach above the ignition point, thus making the match burn. In other words, all three conditions for the object to burn are ready and the match is lit. These three conditions are oxygen, ignition point (high temperature) and fuel. But there are some skills in striking matches without a matchbox. 1669 extraction of yellow phosphorus by H. Brand in Germany.

1805, a Frenchman, Chansel, stuck potassium chlorate and sugar on a small stick with a tree and dipped it in sulfuric acid. 18 16, F. Drewsen of Paris, France made yellow phosphorus matches; 1828, S. Jones of London, England made plumisin matches, and then G. E. Meikel of Paris and J. Siegel of Austria invented phosphorus-free matches. In order to increase the stability and flammability of matches, French C. Soglia innovatively designed the match formula in 183 1, using white phosphorus and yellow phosphorus as the formula. "Matches" make a fire by friction. The inventor of this kind of matches is Walker in Britain. 1826, he made paste-like antimony sulfide and potassium chloride from gum and water, coated them on matchsticks, and pulled them on sandpaper to make a fire. He glued potassium chlorate and antimony trisulfide to the end of a small wooden stick with a tree as the medicine head and put it in a box with sandpaper on the side of the box. Holding a small stick, scraping the medicine head on sandpaper can ignite and burn. This is the earliest collocation with practical value.