Why is iron added to the head of a match?

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SUMMARY

The addition of iron oxide (Fe2O3) to match heads serves a specific chemical purpose, as it converts to pure iron upon combustion, following the reaction 2 Fe2O3 + 3 C -> 2 Fe + 3 CO2. While some believe iron oxide is used for color, it is primarily utilized for its chemical properties. The discussion references a chemistry lab procedure that instructs students to add iron oxide to match heads, although practical experiments show that the resulting match head is not magnetic after burning.

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Chemistry students, educators in chemical sciences, and individuals interested in the manufacturing processes of pyrotechnics and match production.

ORF
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Hello,

The explanation for this, min 0:54


is that you have Fe2O3 in the match head, and after burning it, pure iron is obtained
2 Fe2O3 + 3 C -> 2 Fe + 3 CO2

I think the chemical explanation is fine, but I don't understand why Fe2O3 is added (as colorant, if the red phosphorus is already red).

Q: Why is iron added to the head of a match?

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
ORF
 
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I just tried it with an ordinary wooden match and it wasn't magnetic after burning.
 
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