I tried with burnt matchsticks. The burnt tip (just the tip) stuck to a magnet while the rest of the burnt area didn't stick to the magnet.
Your keen interest ion observing practically the effect experienced by a burnt match stick in a Magnetic Field indicates your observing power and interest on material.Advancement in Material Science is what is Required for the actual Development of a Country. Without Reasearch in Semi coductor materials we could not have had the present day advancement in Communication,Computers,Robots or cotrols.etc.
The site referred by Mr.Kandaswamy gives an idea " Over the past decade, however, research has indicated that proton irradiation (i.e. hydrogen doping) of carbon can lead to the formation of ferromagnetic order. Scientists hypothesized that hydrogen atoms were incorporated into the graphite lattice during hydrogen doping, distorting the lattice and allowing the spins to align with each other." .Probably hydrogen in the moisture of the atmosphere gets doped in carbon while burning giving you the result you observed.
I may also add that burnt carbon particles are also attracted by Electrostatic field as in the case of Fly Ash Collectors used in Thermal stations.
You might have also observed that a small piece of paper,an insulating material gets attracted towards your Nylon shirt or Sweater, if brought nearer to it.This is an example of Force experienced by a dielectric material due to an Electro Static Field.
You are showing signs of a Keen Observer and your interest on Material Science.
Wish you Success and Good Luck.
Dr.P.S.
Modern matchsticks contain Fe-P instead of sulfur. On ignition iron oxides are formed.
As mentioned by Kris Wolfs Modern matchsticks containing Fe-P instead of sulfur can get attracted by Magnets with the formation of iron oxides on ignition.
In the case of Electrostatic Fly Ash Collectors which collect Fly ash obtained by burning coal which contains Sulphur ,I would like to know whether Fly Ash is a Dielctric Material or is it due to the Theory of some proton assistance as given in reference quoted by Kandaswamy .
Dr.P.S.
If the head is red, likely a red (iron) oxide used as a pigment.
Added: Or maybe not---Diamond's MSDSs show Phosphorus Sequisulfide for strike-anywhere and red phosphorus for the safety-match striker. Safety-match's MSDS also states "RED PIGMENT CAS:1003-38-4" and "INORGANIC FILLERS". I just burnt a Diamond "Red Top" (safety type) and I saw no attraction with a strong magnet. It may be that other brands have iron.
Please, do not overlook Sulfur when discussing magnetism. Refer to:
Embi AA. Adhesion Failure of External Hair Cuticles Caused by Prussian Blue: Possible Electrochemical Roles of Sulfur and Cystine. J Nat Sci, 2(6):e194, 2016.
Thank You
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