Armstrong's mixture

The Armstrongsche mixture is a highly explosive mixture that is used in matches. It consists of red phosphorus and potassium chlorate.

The rough surface required for ignition consists of a laminated mixture of glass powder and red phosphorus. Due to the strike of the firing head on the friction surface traces of phosphorus stick to the firing head. The mixture of red phosphorus and chlorate is highly explosive even with light pressure, but results in these tracks just for the safe ignition of combustible materials and finally the piece of wood.

• Explosive