Properties of graphite

Graphite is an environmentally friendly material with unique properties, which is needed in many current and future hi-tech applications. It has a constant annual growth rate (estimated 5%) and due to its economic importance combined with the current supply concentrated on China it is considered asStrategic Mineral by the EU and the USA.

Perspective properties of graphite

High thermal shock resistivity
Heat resistant above 3000 °C (without oxygen)
No melting under normal pressure but sublimation at 3.652 °C
Oxidation starts at about 500 °C to 600 °C
Excellent thermal and electrical conductor
Other molecules may be intercalated between graphene layers
Energy storage abilities (Lithium-Ion-Batteries)
Very good natural lubricant due to weak bondings between individual layers
Intercalated (expanded) graphite excellent adsorbent for oil products
Only strong oxidizing acids and halogens (F, Cl, Br, J) attack graphite, otherwise it is very resistant against corrosion
Soft and flexible
Gray, black steel color, fine black (pencil)
Non- toxic, chemically inert

Applications of graphite

Due its unique properties, Graphite is used in many different applications.

Refractory

Refractory application is the biggest consumer of flake graphite, it is estimated that refractories consumes roughly half of the output of natural graphite. The heat resistance of graphite combined with high thermal shock rest resistivity is amongst other properties the key for the usage in graphite for refractories.

Special Industries

Natural graphite is also consumed in specialized industries where one or several of the characteristics of graphite are needed:

Carbon brushes
Friction materials like Brake pads
Powder metallurgy
Foundries
Pencils
Sealing Industry

Lubricants

For high temperature lubricants graphite is the main ingredient, especially in hot metal forming processes:

Graphite based lubricants for forging
Graphite based lubricants for heavy loaded friction joints
Graphite based lubricants for motor industry
Graphite based lubricants for seamless tube mills

Batteries / Energy systems

Two main characteristics of graphite are outstanding electrical conductivity as well as the ability to store (intercalate) molecules between the individual graphene layers. These properties are used for important energy applications:

Alkaline-Manganese Batteries
Lithium-Ion / Lithium-polymer batteries
Fuel Cells

Graphite in compounds

Graphite is also used as an additive to polymers to achieve special properties, like antistatic behavior of plastics. Two main applications are:

Graphite as antistatic or conductive additive
Graphite as IR-blocker in insulation material