Graphite Purity
graphite purity is an important aspect of the overall graphite value chain. It is critical for producers to maintain the highest possible purity of their graphite concentrate, which is essential for battery and fuel cell technology applications.
Several factors determine the degree of purity in graphite, including source location, mine production, milling and floatation methods. Beneficiation techniques, including crushing, grinding and benefaction are key to processing graphite ore to produce high-quality products.
A number of different technologies have been developed for graphite beneficiation, including mechanical froth flotation and column flotation. Additionally, new research into environmentally friendly flotation reagents has been conducted. For example, vegetable oil (like soyabean oil) and biosurfactants produced by microorganisms have been shown to be able to yield significant fixed carbon.
Natural flake graphite is commonly used in refractories, lubricants, crucibles, coatings, gaskets and clutch materials. It is also an important component of fuel cells, Li-ion batteries and advanced polymer systems.
Typically, graphite is produced as a powder, and a range of sizes are produced to suit various uses. Jumbo, large, medium and fine flake sizes are common.
In the past, flake graphite was only used in refractories and as a carbon raiser for steel, but it is now increasingly being utilized in energy applications. Graphite is a primary component in fuel cells and in vanadium-redox batteries, where it is necessary to keep the battery anodes from becoming oxidized.
As the green technology economy continues to evolve, it is estimated that graphite demand will outstrip supply over the next decade. While the majority of global graphite is produced by China, Canada is now gaining interest as a secure source of high-grade lump or vein-like graphite for refractories, lubricants, and other industry applications.
