match-head ignition

Match-head ignition is a method used in some explosives, particularly in blasting caps, to initiate detonation. This system, more common in Europe than the United States, involves a piece of cardboard with a thin metal sheet on each side. A bridge wire connects these metal sheets, and this assembly is dipped in an ignition mixture, typically copper acetylide. After drying and a protective coating, the match head is soldered to leg wires.1

This differs from a standard match, which is a flammable material tipped with a substance ignitable by friction. These match heads contain oxidizing agents, binders, and igniting agents like phosphorus compounds. While friction matches are used for lighting, match-head ignition in explosives is a specialized system for controlled detonation.213