The heat generated by the burning red phosphorus triggers the decomposition of the potassium chlorate. The oxygen released by potassium chlorate further assists the burning of the red phosphorus.

This was achieved using 20 g of potassium chlorate per 5 g of graphite. When lower quantities of oxidant were used, no activity was observed. Furthermore, activity was shown to be at a maximum ...

The heat generated by the burning red phosphorus triggers the decomposition of the potassium chlorate. The oxygen released by potassium chlorate further assists the burning of the red phosphorus.