Graphite Uses

Coal, diamond and graphite are the three allotropic forms in which carbon is found in nature. Graphite crystallizes in a platy form in a hexagonal arrangement. It is metamorphic in nature and depending on where it is found, it is rated into three forms - flake, crystalline and amorphous. Flake is found as vein deposits in metamorphosed rocks, amorphous is formed in metamorphosed beds of coal and crystalline is available in veins filled with fissure.

Graphite has a blackish to grayish color and due to its greasiness and softness, it leaves a black mark when touched by hand. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Graphite can withstand extremely high temperatures and is not affected by majority of reagents and acids. This property gives advantages which are unique and peculiar.

Graphite is found all over the world in its natural form and in high quantity as well. It has been in use since ancient days and has a wide range of applications in the modern age too. South Korea is said to be the largest producer of graphite in the world and Austria comes a close second. To understand what is graphite used for, read further.

Uses of Graphite

They depend mainly upon its type - amorphous, lumpy or flake. The flake graphite is known to show very low resistance to electrical conductivity. More the flaky particles, lesser the resistance and bulk density. This particular characteristic of flake graphite makes it useful in manufacturing of carbon electrodes, brushes and plates needed in dry cell batteries and the electrical industry. These days, amorphous or crystalline graphite has replaced flaky graphite in the production of brushes and plates.

Graphite crucibles are used for melting aluminum, brass and other non-ferrous metals. These crucibles are produced by mixing graphite, sand and clay together and pressing it on the article at a high temperature. Flake and crystalline forms of graphite are the most used in manufacturing of crucibles.

High grade graphite in amorphous and crystalline form, having the ability to remain suspended in oil, is used in the manufacturing of lubricants. Irrespective of the working condition, graphite shows very low friction which is why it is used in lubricants. It keeps the moving surface cool and minimizes the friction.

Another flake graphite use is that it is used in foundry-facing to disallow molding sands from sticking to cast articles.

In an atomic reactor, bricks of graphite are used as moderators. The graphite used in the nuclear field has to be low in the ability to absorb neutron and also needs to be of standard density and orientation. Of late, graphite has been plenty useful in this field have expanded as it has started being used in blast furnace operations as well.

One of the common uses of graphite is in manufacturing of pencils and paints. In production of paints, powdered form of lump graphite is used and since graphite is a natural water repellent, it is the best choice for giving a protective coating on wood.

Graphite in amorphous form is used in the manufacturing of lead used in pencils. Amorphous graphite is preferred as it leaves a dark streak on paper. More fine the powder, darker the smear. In case the graphite is highly flaky, the smear loses its darkness.

In China, graphite is used in the manufacturing of brake linings. Since car production is China is forever on the rise, so is the demand for graphite.

Graphite is also used for making printing electrotypes. A thin layer of powdered graphite is applied on the wax impressions made, on which copper is deposited. The role of the thin layer of graphite is to provide negative electrical connection so that the process of electrolysis goes on smoothly, depositing copper on it.

Considering the numerous uses, its unique properties and the fact that graphite is available in abundance all over the world, its utility will only grow. There are chances of graphite being used in the production of molds and also being used in manufacturing machinery parts.