Graphite Powder
Graphite powder is a form of carbon that has a hexagonal crystalline structure. It is used as a lubricant, a conductive material, and an artistic medium. Graphite powder can be synthetic or natural and can have different particle sizes and
purity levels. Graphite powder is also involved in some nuclear fusion experiments.
How is Graphite Powder made?
Graphite powder can be made in different ways. One way is to heat and crush natural graphite that is mined from the earth.
Another way is to heat and press a mixture of carbon containing substances such as coal, tar, or petroleum coke in an electric furnace or under high pressure. This produces synthetic graphite that has a higher purity and uniformity than natural graphite.
Graphite powder can also be made by grinding graphite flakes or lumps into fine particles.
Applications of Graphite Powder in different industries
- Lubrication: it is a solid powder that can reduce friction and wear between moving parts, such as train wheels, bearings, locks, etc.
- Conduction: it is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and can be used in batteries, fuel cells, electrodes, solar cells, etc.
- Refractory: it can withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments, and can be used in metallurgy, iron and steel, ceramics, etc.
- Art: it can be used as a pigment, a drawing material, or a filler for paints, inks, pencils, etc.
