Industrial Applications of Graphite

Graphite is a mineral that occurs naturally in a variety of metamorphic rock types including schist, marble and gneiss. It exhibits metallic and non-metallic properties making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Traditionally used in the steel industry, graphite is now a critical component of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, a rapidly growing global demand. It also plays a critical role in the production of fuel cells, flow batteries and consumer electronics.

The structure of crystalline graphite is hexagonal arrays of carbon atoms bonded together by strong covalent bonds and weak Van der Waals interactions. This creates a sea of delocalized electrons within each layer, which can move in and out of the atoms and form a large electrical conductor.

Graphite can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including: high-temperature lubricants, brushes for electrical motors, friction materials and battery and fuel cell material. Graphite is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most reagents and acids. It is a good electrical conductor and has low specific gravity. It is also an excellent insulator. It is a soft, slippery material and cleaves easily.

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