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The Properties, Classification And Uses of Graphite

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Update time : 2020-10-30 08:49:37
The Properties, Classification And Uses of Graphite

Graphite is an important non-metallic mineral resource and an allotrope of carbon.
The different crystalline forms of graphite determine that it contains various industrial values ​​and uses. In the industry, graphite ore is divided into crystalline (flaky) graphite ore and cryptocrystalline (soil-like) graphite ore according to the difference of graphite crystalline form. From the perspective of mineralogy, generally speaking, graphite is crystalline graphite, and cryptocrystalline graphite also belongs to crystalline graphite. Cryptocrystalline graphite is crystalline graphite that can only be seen under an electron microscope. Therefore, different classification methods have different classification results. This article mainly uses industrial classification methods, which are closer to the application and classification of graphite in industry.

The nature and classification of graphite
Crystalline graphite ore can be divided into scale-like and dense-like. The scaly graphite ore crystallizes better, the crystal size is larger than 1μm, generally 0.05~1.5mm, the largest can reach 5~10mm, mostly in aggregate). High-quality large flake graphite is the most important material raw material for the production of graphene and expanded graphite. It plays an extremely important role in the future development of the graphite industry (or the development of the products produced). my country's large scale graphite is distributed in Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Hubei and other places. Dense crystalline graphite is also called massive graphite, its grade is very high, generally the carbon content is 60% to 65%, sometimes 80% to 98%, but its plasticity and lubricity are not as good as flake graphite. Cryptocrystalline graphite is also called amorphous graphite. This type of graphite is characterized by its earthy surface, lacks luster, and has a slightly worse lubricity than flake graphite. Its grade is relatively high, generally 60% to 80%, a few as high as 90%; ash content is 15% to 22%; volatile content is 1% to 2%; moisture content is 2% to 7%. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, graphite purification technology will be improved, and cryptocrystalline graphite will be more and more widely used.
Graphite has a wide range of uses, which has a great relationship with the internal structure of graphite. Graphite is a kind of crystalline carbon with a hexagonal layered structure. The force between the layers is small, and the distance is large, which is easy to produce slip. Therefore, graphite has low hardness, lubricity and plasticity. In addition, each C atom in the graphite structure only forms 3 covalent bonds with other C atoms, and each original C atom still retains 1 free electron to transport charge. Therefore, graphite has conductivity. The thermal conductivity depends on the intensity of the free electron movement.
Graphite main properties, characteristics and characteristics Introduction High temperature resistance The strength of graphite increases with the increase of temperature. At 2000 ℃, the strength of graphite doubles. Electrical and thermal conductivity The electrical conductivity of graphite is one hundred times higher than that of general non-metallic minerals. Thermal conductivity exceeds that of metal materials such as steel, iron, and lead. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature, and even at extremely high temperatures, graphite becomes an insulator. The lubricity depends on the size of the graphite flakes. The larger the flakes, the smaller the friction coefficient and the better the lubrication performance. Chemical stability It has good chemical stability at room temperature, and can resist acid, alkali and organic solvent corrosion. Good plasticity and toughness, and can be rolled into very thin slices. Thermal shock resistance When used at room temperature, it can withstand drastic changes in temperature without causing damage or sudden temperature changes.
According to the different sizes of flakes, graphite flakes can be divided into four categories: giant flake graphite, large flake graphite, medium flake graphite and small flake graphite. The degree of graphite crystallization and the size of the scales are different, as are the physical and chemical properties and applicable fields. In the past, the larger the scales, the higher the value of graphite. As the demand for lithium-ion battery anode materials for small flake graphite increases, the value of small flakes will increase.
According to genetic types, China's graphite deposits can be divided into sedimentary-metamorphic and magmatic hydrothermal fluids. The main deposit types are regional metamorphism and contact metamorphism. In addition, there are some graphite deposits, such as those distributed in tectonic fracture zones and secondary accumulation layers, which are generally small in scale and have little industrial value and origin.
Uses of graphite
In the traditional field, graphite is mainly used in machinery industry, chemical industry, metallurgical industry and light industry. It can be used as lubricant, friction material, heat conduction material, various refractory molds, anti-corrosion utensils, ink, pencil, etc. For example, natural graphite is mainly used for ironmaking and steelmaking (ie, refractory materials); synthetic graphite is mainly used as an electrode in electric furnace steelmaking, while synthetic graphite powder added to molten steel can increase the carbon content of steel.

As an important strategic resource, graphite was used as early as the 16th century. With the development of science and technology, the application fields continue to expand. The discovery of graphene in 2010 and the extensive exploration and research on graphene and graphite structures in recent years. Its excellent properties have shown broad application prospects in many fields such as optics, energy, aerospace, environment, new materials, etc. Graphite has also attracted more and more attention, and the application of graphite will cross the application in traditional fields and turn to applications in strategic emerging fields such as aerospace, green environmental protection, nuclear industry, new materials, and new energy.

TRUNNANO (Luoyang Trunnano Tech Co., Ltd ) is a professional  Graphite manufacturer with over 12 years of experience in chemical product research and development. If you are looking for high-quality Graphite, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.

 
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