Graphite Purity and Its Importance
graphite purity is of critical importance to the global economy. This is why it is classified as a strategic and critical mineral by the US and EU.
Moreover, it is a vital raw material for lithium-ion batteries and other end-use industries. For example, it is used to make foils & films, carbon graphite composites and special lubricants.
The demand for graphite is increasing at a rapid pace. This is driven by the need to produce and use electric vehicles (EVs) that require high-quality anodes, or active materials.
It is also a key raw material for the refractory industry. This industry utilizes graphite for developing products in high-temperature conditions such as furnaces, linings for kilns and reactors.
In addition, graphite is needed for the production of refractory bricks that are used in industrial furnaces and boilers. These materials are required to have very high refractory strength and heat resistance, which are crucial for these applications.
Furthermore, graphite is also required for refractory cement. This is because it provides a strong and dense refractory mortar that can withstand high temperatures and resist the effects of corrosive agents.
Lastly, graphite is also an essential material for the nuclear industry. It is a primary raw material for making nuclear graphite.
The level of impurities in graphite flake is a characteristic of the ore body where it was sourced from. These impurities can be mechanically attached to the flake in the form of mineral grains, or they can be a part of flakes that have become "cold welded" together. Although surface chemistry is an effective mechanism for improving the purity of graphite, it cannot affect the level of these mineral impurities.
