Why matchbox do not burn when you rub matchstick?

Matchboxes are designed with a surface that contains a material that ignites only when struck with a matchstick. The matchstick has a specific friction-producing material on its tip, which ignites when it rubs against the abrasive strip on the side of the box. This reaction generates enough heat to ignite the matchstick but not enough to ignite the matchbox itself, which is made from materials that require a higher temperature to catch fire. Therefore, the matchbox remains safe during the striking process.